Water: the molecule of life

Bio I H Packet 1

Intramolecular properties of

water

Intermolecular properties of

water

Emergent properties

of waterCohesion

Surface tension

Emergent properties

of waterAdhesion

Emergent properties of water

Cohesion + Adhesion capillary action

Emergent properties

of water“Universal solvent”

Emergent properties

of waterUnique density as a solid compared to a liquid

Why is “ice floats” important?

Oceans & lakes don’t freeze solidsurface ice insulates water below

allowing life to survive the winterif ice sank…

ponds, lakes & even oceans would freeze solidin summer, only upper few inches would thaw

Emergent properties of water: specific

heatH2O resists changes in temperaturehigh specific heat takes a lot to heat it uptakes a lot to cool it down

H2O moderates temperatures on Earth

Specific heat& climate

Evaporative cooling

Organisms rely on heat of vaporization to remove body heat

Emergent properties of water: high heat of

vaporization

Elixir of LifeSpecial properties of water1. cohesion & adhesion

surface tension, capillary action2.good solvent

many molecules dissolve in H2O3.lower density as a solid

ice floats!4.high specific heat

water stores heat5.high heat of vaporization

Heats slowly