What physical and chemical properties of water make it essential for life?
Understand the Problem
The question is inquiring about the physical and chemical properties of water that make it essential for life, and discussing its significance in supporting different life forms and adaptations in various habitats.
Answer
Polarity, solvent ability, heat capacity, heat of vaporization, cohesion, adhesion, lower density when frozen.
Key properties include water's polarity, ability to act as a "universal" solvent, high heat capacity, high heat of vaporization, cohesion, adhesion, and its lower density in solid form.
Answer for screen readers
Key properties include water's polarity, ability to act as a "universal" solvent, high heat capacity, high heat of vaporization, cohesion, adhesion, and its lower density in solid form.
More Information
These properties of water are crucial in supporting life's biochemical processes, regulating temperature, and facilitating nutrient transport.
Tips
A common mistake is overlooking the role of hydrogen bonds, which are essential for cohesion and adhesion.
Sources
- Lesson summary: Water and life (article) | Khan Academy - khanacademy.org
- Physical and Chemical Properties of Water | Ecosoft Blog - ecosoft.com
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