The unique properties (characteristics) of water make life possible on earth. select three properties of water and a. for each property, identify and define the property and explain it in terms of the physical/chemical nature of water. b. for each property, describe one example of how the property affects the functioning of living organisms

Answer

             Following are some unique properties of water:

1. Hydrogen bonding

            A type of bond which is formed between hydgroen atom and strong electronegative atom is known as hydrogen bonding.

Explanation

            Due to hydrogen bond water molecule is polar and make them able to interact with each other. the charged region on each molecule are attracted to oppositely charged region on neighbouring molecules, forming weak bonds. Since the positive charged region int his type of bond is always hydrogen atom, the bond is called hydrogen bond. this bond is often represented by a dotted line because a hydrogen bond is easily broken. Because of hydrogen bonding, water is a liquid at room temperatures suitable for life, it boils at 100 degree centigrade and freezes at 0 centigrade.

2. High specific heat

                      The amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 gm water by 1 dgree is known as specific heat. water molecules have high specific heat. This means that a large increase in heat energy results in a relatively small rise in temperature. This is because much of the energy is used in breaking the hydrogen bonds, which restrict the movement of molecules. The many hydrogen bonds that link water molecules help water absorb heat without a great change in temperature. When water cools down heat is released. Water holds heat and its temperature falls more slowly than other liquids. This property of water in important not only for aquatic organisms, but also for all living organisms. Water protects organisms from rapid temperature changes and helps them to maintain their normal internal temperatue.

3. High heat of vapourization

          The amount of heat required to convert water from liquid in to vapours is known as heat of vapourization. Water has high heat of vapourization, which means that water has high boiling point. Because water boils at 100 degree centigrade. it is in a liquid state at a temperature suitable for living things. This property of water helps to moderate the earth's temperature. It also gives animals, in a hot environment an efficient way to release excess body heat. When an animal sweats, body heat is used to vaporize the sweat thus cooling the animal. The high heat of vapourization means that a large amount of heat cab be lost with minimal loss of water from the body.