Explanation:
physical properties of water
Water is a colourless and tasteless liquid. The molecules of water have extensive hydrogen bonds resulting in unusual properties in the condensed form. This also leads to high melting and boiling points. As compared to other liquids, water has a higher specific heat, thermal conductivity, surface tension, dipole moment, etc. These properties form the reason for its significance in the biosphere. Water is an excellent solvent and therefore it helps in the transportation of ions and molecules required for metabolism. It has a high latent heat of vaporization which helps in the regulation of body temperature.
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Chemical properties of water
Water reacts with a lot of substances to form different compounds. Some significant reactions are as follows:
Amphoteric nature:
Water can act as both acid and base, which means that it is amphoteric in nature.
Example:
Acidic Behaviour: H2O(l)+NH3(aq) ⇌ H3O+(aq)+NH+4(aq)
Basic Behavior: H2O(l)+H2S(aq) ⇌ H3O+(aq)+HS−(aq)
Redox reactions:
Electropositive elements reduce water to hydrogen molecule. Thus, water is a great source of hydrogen. Let us see an example in this case:
2H2O(l)+2Na(s)→2NaOH(aq)+H2(g)
During the process of photosynthesis, water is oxidized to O2. As water can be oxidized and reduced, it is very useful in redox reactions.
Hydrolysis reaction
Water has a very strong hydrating tendency due to its dielectric constant. It dissolves many ionic compounds. Some covalent and ionic compounds can be hydrolyzed in water
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Water is so critical for human life Because...
Water’s extensive capability to dissolve a variety of molecules has earned it the designation of “universal solvent,” and it is this ability that makes water such an invaluable life-sustaining force. On a biological level, water’s role as a solvent helps cells transport and use substances like oxygen or nutrients. Water-based solutions like blood help carry molecules to the necessary locations. Thus, water’s role as a solvent facilitates the transport of molecules like oxygen for respiration and has a major impact on the ability of drugs to reach their targets in the body.
