Chapter 14, Problem 10A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The physical properties of water and its effect on the earth’s environment are to be explained.

Concept introduction:

Water is known as “universal solvent” and the solvent of life as it is present abundantly on earth. It exists in three forms- as Solid, Liquid and Gaseous on the earth’s surface.

Water exhibits some physical as well as chemical properties.

Answer to Problem 10A

Specific heat capacities, surface tension, and cohesive are some of the properties exhibited by water.

Explanation of Solution

Water has a number of unique properties. The chemical formula for water is ${\text{H}}_2\text{O}$ , which means a covalent bond of $2$ hydrogen atoms and $1$ oxygen atom.

Specific heat is the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of $1$ gram of a substance $1$ degree Celsius. It affects the earth’s climate because it makes the temperature of the oceans resistant to change.

The hydrogen bond in water makes the molecule cohesive that is they stick together. For example. Water and nutrients can be transported from tree roots to other parts of the plant with cohesion property.

Due to hydrogen bonds in the water molecule it also has a surface tension property.

Another property of water is high specific heat capacity [resistance to temperature change].