Properties of Water- Thermal quiz Flashcards

Specific heat is the amount of heat energy required to raise or lower the temperature of one gram of water by one degree Celsius.

Water has a high specific heat because it takes a relatively high amount of heat to raise or lower the temperature of one gram of water by one degree Celsius.

Water's high specific heat helps maintain constant internal temperatures in cells, allowing organisms to maintain homeostasis despite external temperature changes.

The heat of vaporization is the amount of heat required to convert one gram of liquid water into a gaseous state.

Water has a high heat of vaporization due to the abundance of hydrogen bonds that need to be broken to convert liquid water into gas.

Hydrogen bonds in liquid water require a lot of energy to break, contributing to water's high heat of vaporization.

Water's high specific heat means it takes a lot of energy and time to raise its temperature, which is why water doesn't boil immediately when placed on a stove.

Water's high specific heat means it takes a long time and a lot of energy to lower its temperature enough to freeze.

Water's high specific heat helps stabilize environmental temperatures by absorbing and releasing heat slowly.

Water's high heat of vaporization allows for effective cooling mechanisms, such as sweating, which helps regulate body temperature.

During the phase transition from liquid to gas, hydrogen bonds between water molecules are broken, allowing the molecules to escape as vapor.

Water's ability to resist temperature changes is critical for life because it helps maintain stable internal conditions in cells, essential for homeostasis.

Water's high specific heat helps regulate climate by absorbing and releasing heat slowly, moderating temperature fluctuations.

Water's high specific heat helps maintain stable temperatures in aquatic ecosystems, providing a consistent environment for marine life.

The practical implication is that processes like boiling water for cooking require significant energy and time due to water's high heat of vaporization.