The Importance of Water in the Search for Extraterrestrial Life

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20 Questions

What is the significance of scientists looking for water on other planets?

Water is essential to life, and finding water can indicate the potential for life on other planets.

What percentage of the human body is made up of water?

60-70%

What type of bonds are formed between the hydrogen and oxygen atoms within water molecules?

Polar covalent bonds

Why do water molecules form a unique shape?

Due to the repulsion between the slightly positive hydrogen atoms.

What happens when a substance readily forms hydrogen bonds with water?

It can dissolve in water and is referred to as hydrophilic.

Why do oils and fats not readily form hydrogen bonds with water?

Because they are nonpolar substances.

What is the significance of the hydrogen and oxygen atoms within water molecules forming polar covalent bonds?

It enables water to attract other water molecules and polar molecules

Why do nonpolar substances like oils and fats not readily form hydrogen bonds with water?

They are repelled by the positive charges in water molecules

What is the role of hydrogen bonds in the dissolution of hydrophilic ("water-loving") substances in water?

Hydrogen bonds attract and dissolve hydrophilic substances in water

What accounts for approximately 60–70 percent of the human body?

Water

What is the primary reason for scientists looking for water on other planets?

To indicate the potential existence of life on those planets

Why is it essential for water to form hydrogen bonds with other polar molecules?

To allow water to attract and interact with other molecules

What feature of water allows it to moderate temperature changes within organisms and their environments?

Its ability to form hydrogen bonds with other water molecules

Why does ice float on the surface of a body of water?

It becomes less dense than liquid water as its molecules move farther apart

What role does evaporation play in cooling an organism?

It releases energy and heat from the body

What characteristic of water allows it to serve as a solvent for ionic compounds and polar molecules?

Its slight positive and negative charges

Why do nonpolar compounds not dissolve in water?

Due to their hydrophobic nature

What happens when molecular motion decreases and temperatures drop?

The bonds between water molecules become stronger

What is the significance of spheres of hydration in water?

They keep charged particles separated or dispersed in the water

How does water absorb energy before its temperature rises?

By forming hydrogen bonds with other water molecules

Learn about the significance of water in the search for extraterrestrial life and its crucial role in supporting life as we know it. Discover why scientists spend time looking for water on other planets and how even minute traces of it can indicate the potential for life to exist.

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