Flashcards
Topic 1: 1.1 (concepts)
Cards in this deck (6)
- 1What is special about water's specific heat capacity and why is this good?It is very high making it a buffer against rapid temperature change. So it doesn't add kinetic energy to water and makes it a stable habitat.
- 2What is the max density of water and why is it important?Max density at 4°C so when water freezes at lower temps, ice floats. This insulates the water below, stopping it freezing and creating a habitat.
- 3Draw the bonding between water molecules.
- 4How does surface tension work?Happens because of cohesion which helps the water molecules stick together
- 5Water is a polar solvent, why is this good?Lots of substances can dissolve in it. This means water can be a good habitat e.g. ponds contain dissolved oxygen
- 6Why does water need to be incompressible?So cells become turgid and then supports plants and soft bodied creatures e.g. worms