Water

4.1

Water

Properties of Water and Its Importance in a Cell

Polarity of Water

Water is an inorganic compound consisting of the hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O) elements
Water molecules are polar molecules because shared electrons between oxygen and hydrogen will be attracted towards oxygen which is more electronegative (δ– )
This polarity produces hydrogen bonds and allows water to act as a universal solvent
The universal solvent properties of water allow solutes such as glucose and electrolytes to be transported through the plasma membranes into cells for biochemical reactions

Cohesive Force and Adhesive Force of Water

Water molecules are attached to each other through a cohesive force
At the same time, water molecules are also attached to other surfaces through adhesive force
Both forces produce the capillary action which allows water to enter and move along narrow spaces, such as in the xylem tube

Specific Heat Capacity of Water

Water has a high specific heat capacity of \(\text{4.2 kJ kg}^{-1}\)\(^\circ C ^{-1}\)
This means that \(4.2\text{ kJ}\) of heat energy is required to raise the temperature of one kilogram of water by \(1^\circ C\)
Water absorbs a lot of heat energy with a small rise in temperature
This characteristic is very important to maintain the body temperature of organisms

4.1

Water

Properties of Water and Its Importance in a Cell

Polarity of Water

Water is an inorganic compound consisting of the hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O) elements
Water molecules are polar molecules because shared electrons between oxygen and hydrogen will be attracted towards oxygen which is more electronegative (δ– )
This polarity produces hydrogen bonds and allows water to act as a universal solvent
The universal solvent properties of water allow solutes such as glucose and electrolytes to be transported through the plasma membranes into cells for biochemical reactions

Cohesive Force and Adhesive Force of Water

Water molecules are attached to each other through a cohesive force
At the same time, water molecules are also attached to other surfaces through adhesive force
Both forces produce the capillary action which allows water to enter and move along narrow spaces, such as in the xylem tube

Specific Heat Capacity of Water

Water has a high specific heat capacity of \(\text{4.2 kJ kg}^{-1}\)\(^\circ C ^{-1}\)
This means that \(4.2\text{ kJ}\) of heat energy is required to raise the temperature of one kilogram of water by \(1^\circ C\)
Water absorbs a lot of heat energy with a small rise in temperature
This characteristic is very important to maintain the body temperature of organisms