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Introduction to the lesson
When scientists look for life on other planets, the first thing they look for is water. Life is impossible without water. The unique and unexpected properties of water make it absolutely essential to life. In this lesson, you will study these properties and learn how each adaption is important in sustaining life.
Hydrogen bonds and water
Read the section under the heading "Water" in your text book (p.46-47).
Learning Activity 1
Answer the following questions in your exercise book.
- The hydrogen bonds in water give rise to many properties in water that make water essential for life. Below are the different properties. Under each one discuss (i) why the property is important for life and (ii) how the hydrogen bonding in water gives it this property:
- Water as solvent
- Water as transport medium
- Water's high specific heat capacity
- Water's high latent heat of vapourisation
- Water's density and freezing properties
- Water's high surface tension and cohesion
- Water as a reagent
- Answer Question 2.6 on p.47 of your text book.
Definitions and review
Definition
- Heat capacity
- Latent heat of vapourisation
- Cohesion
- Reagent
Mindmap
Add this section to your chapter two mindmap.