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Ch. 2 The Chemistry of Life
Amerman - Human Anatomy & Physiology 2nd Edition
Amerman2nd EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136873822Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 2, Problem 2.111a

Which of the following is not a property of water?


a. Water has a high heat capacity.
b. Water doesn't take heat with it when it evaporates.
c. Water is a polar solvent in which many solutes will dissolve.
d. Water serves as a cushion and lubricant in the body.

Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the properties of water that are commonly accepted in scientific literature.
Review each option and compare it with the known properties of water.
Understand that water has a high heat capacity, meaning it can absorb or release a significant amount of heat with little change in temperature.
Recognize that water is a polar solvent, which allows many substances to dissolve in it due to its ability to surround and interact with charged particles or polar molecules.
Consider the role of water in the body as a cushion and lubricant in various tissues and joints, facilitating smooth movement and providing protection against mechanical stress.

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Properties of Water

Water has unique properties that are essential for life, including high heat capacity, polarity, and its role as a solvent. These properties allow water to regulate temperature, dissolve various substances, and provide cushioning in biological systems.
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Properties of Water- Thermal

High Heat Capacity

High heat capacity refers to water's ability to absorb and retain heat without a significant change in temperature. This property helps stabilize environmental temperatures and is crucial for maintaining homeostasis in living organisms.
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Water’s High Specific Heat

Polarity of Water

Water is a polar molecule, meaning it has a partial positive charge on one side and a partial negative charge on the other. This polarity allows water to dissolve many ionic and polar substances, making it an excellent solvent for biological reactions.
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Introduction to Water