University:
Arizona State University
Course:
BIO 130 | Environmental Science
Academic year:

2020
Views:

488

Pages:

2
Author:

Leilani Contreras

PART 1: Properties of water Property of water Definition How does this help living organisms? (Be sure to name the characteristic of life). Picture to help you remember (You can find an image from the internet. Be sure to cite) Universal solvent Water is called the universal solvent because most substances dissolve in it. It helps with the ability of bonding water molecules. Solutions of ions and molecules also help chemical reactions happen more often so organisms can respond to their environment. Cohesive properties Cohesion - When water molecules stick together. Adhesion - When water molecules hold onto other polar surfaces. Water allows for the efficient transport of nutrients and wastes in an organism. Cohesion Water drops stick to each other Adhesion Water drops stick to other substances High surface tension Water is more attracted to each other on a high surface area of water. This helps water striding insects resulting in their ability to walk on the surface of water Another example is when we sweat the water sticks to us. High heat capacity Water can absorb large amounts of heat before changing its chemical state. This helps stabilize large bodies of water and helps organisms maintain homeostasis. Changes in density Water expands when it freezes which causes ice to be less dense than water thus allowing it to float. Environments such as the aquatic benefit since ice protects underlying layers from freezing. Density of Gases Variation of Temperature Case 1 D=0001300