Question

Explain the properties of water and why it is important to life. Include the following: specific heat, density, polarity, Universal solvent

Answer 1

Water’s specific heat requires it to absorb a large amount of heat before increasing in temperature. This is important to life in the sense that we do not get dehydrated quickly, oceans do not evaporate as fast, and a large amount of heat is required for glaciers to melt.
Water is denser in its solid form, meaning ice will float and keep living organisms in the liquid water beneath it.
Polarity gives water its cohesive and adhesive properties which slows for capillary action, allowing water to travel against the force of gravity in the plants xylem.
Water is considered the universal solvent because it’s is able to dissolve many polar and ionic molecules like salt and sugar.