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What is the essential element for life on Earth and often referred to as the 'Elixir of Life'?
Water
What structure allows ice to float on water?
A crystalline lattice structure formed by hydrogen bonds that spaces the molecules apart.
What is the term for the attraction between the slightly positive hydrogen atom of one water molecule and the slightly negative oxygen atom of another?
Hydrogen bond
What property of water allows it to travel up plant stems against gravity?
Cohesion (water molecules holding together) and adhesion (water sticking to other surfaces)
What is the significance of water's high specific heat?
It takes a lot of energy to change the temperature of water, moderating coastal climates by absorbing heat in summer and releasing it in winter.
What allows sweating to effectively cool the body?
High heat of vaporization, which requires significant heat to turn liquid water into vapor.
What is the difference between hydrophilic and hydrophobic substances?
Hydrophilic substances are water-loving (polar/ionic), while hydrophobic substances are water-fearing (nonpolar).
What does the pH scale measure?
The acidity or basicity of a solution, ranging from 0 (most acidic) to 14 (most basic), with 7 being neutral.
What role do buffers play in biological systems?
Buffers resist changes in pH by absorbing excess hydrogen ions or releasing them as needed.
What environmental issue is caused by increased CO2 dissolving in the ocean?
Ocean acidification, which lowers pH and harms marine life.
What mnemonic can help remember the concept of cohesion in water?
Cooperate to stick together.
What is molarity a measure of?
The concentration of a solution, expressed as moles of solute per liter of solution.
What phenomenon allows some insects to walk on water?
Surface tension created by cohesion among water molecules.
What is the role of water in cellular processes?
Water is essential for biochemical reactions, acts as a solvent for polar substances, regulates temperature, and participates in hydrolysis and condensation reactions.
What is a neutral pH value?
A pH value of 7, which means the solution is neither acidic nor basic.
What happens to pH levels when an acid is added to a solution?
The pH level decreases, indicating increased acidity.
What happens to pH levels when a base is added to a solution?
The pH level increases, indicating increased basicity.
What is the pH range for acidic solutions?
Acidic solutions have a pH less than 7.
What is the pH range for basic solutions?
Basic solutions have a pH greater than 7.
How does pH affect enzyme activity?
Each enzyme has an optimal pH range; deviations can reduce enzyme efficiency.
What natural process can affect ocean pH levels?
Ocean acidification due to increased CO2 absorption from the atmosphere.
What is the significance of the pH scale in agriculture?
pH affects nutrient availability to plants and influences soil health.
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