Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which property of water makes it effective at regulating temperature in living organisms?
A
High density as a solid
B
High specific heat capacity
C
Low surface tension
D
Low heat of vaporization
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of specific heat capacity: Specific heat capacity is the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of a substance by one degree Celsius. Water has a high specific heat capacity, meaning it can absorb or release a large amount of heat with only a small change in temperature.
Relate this property to temperature regulation: In living organisms, water's high specific heat capacity helps stabilize internal temperatures by absorbing excess heat during metabolic processes or environmental changes without causing drastic temperature fluctuations.
Compare the other options: High density as a solid refers to water's unique property of ice being less dense than liquid water, which is unrelated to temperature regulation. Low surface tension and low heat of vaporization are incorrect because they do not contribute to water's ability to regulate temperature effectively.
Recognize the biological significance: Water's high specific heat capacity is crucial for maintaining homeostasis in living organisms, as it buffers against rapid temperature changes that could disrupt cellular processes.
Conclude the reasoning: The correct answer is 'High specific heat capacity' because this property allows water to act as a thermal buffer, protecting organisms from extreme temperature variations.