Why is water an extraordinary substance?
A) Water has a low molar mass, yet it is a liquid at room temperature.
B) Water is the main solvent within living organisms.
C) Water has an exceptionally high specific heat capacity.
D) Water has strong hydrogen bonding.
E) All of the above.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

All of the given options are correct and make water an extraordinary substance. Water's low molar mass and its liquid state at room temperature enable it to easily dissolve and transport numerous substances within living organisms as the main solvent. Moreover, water's high specific heat capacity prevents large temperature fluctuations in water bodies, allowing organisms to maintain relatively stable internal conditions. Finally, strong hydrogen bonding within water molecules results in numerous unique properties and behaviors, such as water's high surface tension and its ability to exist in solid, liquid, and gaseous states under normal conditions.

Why Is Water an Extraordinary Substance