1) Water has a high specific heat: This means that water can absorb a large amount of heat energy without significantly increasing in temperature. This property allows water to regulate temperature and helps maintain stable environments, both in the natural world and within living organisms.
2) Water has a high heat of vaporization: Water requires a large amount of energy to change from a liquid to a gas, which is why evaporation is an effective cooling mechanism. This property of water helps to regulate temperature on the Earth's surface and prevent extreme temperature changes.
3) Water exhibits cohesion and surface tension: Water molecules are attracted to each other through hydrogen bonding, which results in a cohesive force. This cohesion gives water its high surface tension, allowing some insects to walk on water. Cohesion and surface tension also play important roles in the movement of water through plants and the formation of droplets.
4) Water is a universal solvent: Water is able to dissolve a wide variety of substances due to its polarity and ability to form hydrogen bonds. This property allows water to transport essential nutrients and minerals within living organisms, as well as facilitate chemical reactions necessary for life.
What four properties of water
1 answer
1 answer