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Multiple Choice
Which property of water helps organisms survive in lakes during cold winters?
A
Water has a low surface tension.
B
Water has a high specific heat capacity, allowing it to resist rapid temperature changes.
C
Water is a good solvent for ionic compounds.
D
Water is denser as a solid than as a liquid.
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 and store large amounts of heat without undergoing rapid temperature changes.
Relate specific heat capacity to the survival of organisms: During cold winters, water's high specific heat capacity helps maintain a relatively stable temperature in lakes, preventing drastic temperature fluctuations that could harm aquatic organisms.
Consider the role of ice formation: Water is less dense as a solid (ice) than as a liquid, which causes ice to float on the surface of lakes. This floating ice acts as an insulating layer, protecting the water below from freezing completely and allowing organisms to survive.
Eliminate irrelevant properties: Water's low surface tension and its ability to dissolve ionic compounds are important properties but are not directly related to helping organisms survive in lakes during cold winters.
Conclude that the correct property is water's high specific heat capacity, as it allows lakes to resist rapid temperature changes and provides a stable environment for aquatic life during winter.