Subject: Biology 0 Likes
There are several emergent properties of water that contribute its
There are several emergent properties of water that contribute its powerful affect on living organisms.
These emerging properties are mostly due to:
A) The abundance of water on Earth.
B) The hydrogen bonds linking water molecules together.
C) Water’s ability to moderate pH.
D) The buffering ability of water.
Solution
Correct answer: B) The hydrogen bonds linking water molecules together.
The emergent properties of water, such as its high surface tension, cohesion, and ability to dissolve a wide range of substances, are largely due to the hydrogen bonds that form between water molecules. Hydrogen bonds are weak electrostatic attractions between the slightly positive hydrogen atoms of one water molecule and the slightly negative oxygen atoms of another. These bonds are responsible for many of water's unique properties, including its high boiling point, high surface tension, and ability to dissolve a wide range of substances.
The other options are not correct because:
The abundance of water on Earth (A) is a fact, but it does not explain the emergent properties of water.
Water's ability to moderate pH (C) is an important property of water, but it is not the primary reason for its emergent properties.
The buffering ability of water (D) is also an important property of water, but it is not the primary reason for its emergent properties.
Note: Hydrogen bonds are the key to understanding many of water's unique properties, and are often referred to as the "glue" that holds water molecules together.
Subject: Biology
Related topics: Biochemistry