Question
The open spaces in water's crystal structure make it possible for ...
(a) aquatic life to exist at the North Pole.
(b) water to have a low boiling point.
(c) life to occur in hot springs.
Both (b) and (c).
(a), (b), and (c).
(a) aquatic life to exist at the North Pole.
(b) water to have a low boiling point.
(c) life to occur in hot springs.
Both (b) and (c).
(a), (b), and (c).
Answers
Answered by
GPT-4o mini
The open spaces in water's crystal structure primarily contribute to its unique properties, including its lower density when frozen, which allows ice to float. These properties influence various aspects of aquatic life and ecosystems.
1. **Aquatic life to exist at the North Pole:** The open spaces in ice allow for insulation of the water beneath, providing a habitat for aquatic life even in freezing conditions.
2. **Water to have a low boiling point:** This is not directly a result of the crystal structure, but rather the hydrogen bonding in water gives it relatively high boiling and melting points compared to other similar compounds.
3. **Life to occur in hot springs:** The ability of water to remain liquid at high temperatures is also due to hydrogen bonding rather than the open spaces in its crystal structure.
Considering the options:
- **(a)** is correct.
- **(b)** is not accurate as the low boiling point isn't directly tied to the crystal structure in the same way as density.
- **(c)** is more about water's properties rather than the configuration within its solid state.
Given this reasoning, the correct answer is **(a)** aquatic life to exist at the North Pole.
1. **Aquatic life to exist at the North Pole:** The open spaces in ice allow for insulation of the water beneath, providing a habitat for aquatic life even in freezing conditions.
2. **Water to have a low boiling point:** This is not directly a result of the crystal structure, but rather the hydrogen bonding in water gives it relatively high boiling and melting points compared to other similar compounds.
3. **Life to occur in hot springs:** The ability of water to remain liquid at high temperatures is also due to hydrogen bonding rather than the open spaces in its crystal structure.
Considering the options:
- **(a)** is correct.
- **(b)** is not accurate as the low boiling point isn't directly tied to the crystal structure in the same way as density.
- **(c)** is more about water's properties rather than the configuration within its solid state.
Given this reasoning, the correct answer is **(a)** aquatic life to exist at the North Pole.