Water IB

Which property of water is primarily responsible for its high surface tension?

• Cohesion

• Adhesion

• High specific heat capacity

• Universal solvent

Answer explanation

The property of water primarily responsible for its high surface tension is cohesion, which is the attraction between molecules of the same substance.

The ability of water to dissolve many substances is mainly due to its:

• High boiling point

• Hydrogen bonding

• Polarity

• Low viscosity

Answer explanation

Water's ability to dissolve many substances is mainly due to its polarity, which allows it to interact with a wide range of molecules and ions.

What is the significance of water's high specific heat capacity for living organisms?

• It allows water to act as a solvent

• It stabilizes temperature in organisms and environments

• It provides a medium for metabolic reactions

• It allows water to expand upon freezing

Answer explanation

The significance of water's high specific heat capacity for living organisms is that it stabilizes temperature in organisms and environments.

How does water's high specific heat capacity contribute to the moderation of temperature in living organisms?

Answer explanation

Water's high specific heat capacity allows it to absorb and release large amounts of heat with minimal temperature change, helping to regulate the temperature within living organisms.

Explain how the structure of water contributes to its role as a universal solvent.

Answer explanation

Water's polar structure allows it to form hydrogen bonds with other substances, breaking them down and dissolving them easily.

Describe how the cohesive and adhesive properties of water are important for the transport of water in plants.

Answer explanation

The cohesive properties of water allow it to stick to itself, aiding in the movement of water through the plant's vascular system. The adhesive properties help water adhere to the walls of the plant's xylem vessels, further facilitating its transport.

Discuss the role of hydrogen bonding in the properties of DNA that are critical for genetic inheritance. Include examples of how these properties impact cellular processes.

Answer explanation

Hydrogen bonding in DNA allows for complementary base pairing, ensuring accurate replication. This stability is crucial for genetic inheritance and impacts cellular processes like transcription and translation.

Explain how the thermal properties of sand influence the temperature of a desert and provide an example of how these properties benefit a specific cactus species.

Answer explanation

Sand has low heat capacity, causing it to heat up quickly during the day and cool down rapidly at night, influencing desert temperatures. The thermal properties of sand benefit cacti like the Saguaro, which can store water and survive extreme temperature fluctuations.