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What is water's molecular formula?
H2O, consisting of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.
What unique property does water have that allows it to exist in three states?
Water can exist as a solid (ice), liquid (water), and gas (water vapor) due to its hydrogen bonding.
What is the significance of water's high specific heat?
It allows water to absorb and release large amounts of heat without significant temperature changes, stabilizing environments.
Why is water considered a universal solvent?
Because it can dissolve a wide variety of substances, making it essential for biochemical reactions.
What does water's high surface tension mean?
It indicates that water molecules are strongly attracted to each other, allowing small objects to float on its surface.
How does water's density change with temperature?
Water is most dense at 4°C; below this temperature, it expands, causing ice to float.
What is capillary action in water?
The ability of water to flow in narrow spaces against gravity, due to adhesion and cohesion.
What does it mean that water has a high heat of vaporization?
It requires a large amount of energy to convert water from liquid to gas, cooling the environment during evaporation.
How does water's polarity affect its interactions?
As a polar molecule, water exhibits strong hydrogen bonding and contributes to its solvent properties.
What role does water play in temperature regulation for living organisms?
Water helps regulate body temperature through processes like sweating and respiration.
What are the key properties of water that make it essential for life?
The key properties include high specific heat, crystalline structure of ice, high heat of vaporization, cohesion and adhesion, and its role as a universal solvent.
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