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Multiple Choice
Why is the high specific heat of water important to aquatic life?
A
It helps maintain stable temperatures in aquatic environments, protecting organisms from rapid temperature changes.
B
It allows water to dissolve more gases, increasing oxygen availability for aquatic organisms.
C
It increases the rate of evaporation, allowing aquatic organisms to cool down quickly.
D
It causes water to freeze at higher temperatures, providing insulation for aquatic life.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of specific heat: Specific heat is the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of a substance by one degree Celsius. Water has a high specific heat due to hydrogen bonding between water molecules.
Relate specific heat to temperature stability: Because water has a high specific heat, it can absorb or release large amounts of heat with minimal changes in temperature. This property is crucial for maintaining stable temperatures in aquatic environments.
Explain the importance of stable temperatures: Stable temperatures protect aquatic organisms from rapid temperature fluctuations, which could disrupt metabolic processes and harm ecosystems.
Clarify why other options are incorrect: For example, high specific heat does not directly increase the rate of evaporation or cause water to freeze at higher temperatures. These phenomena are unrelated to the specific heat property.
Conclude with the correct answer: The high specific heat of water helps maintain stable temperatures in aquatic environments, which is essential for the survival and well-being of aquatic organisms.