Earth is the only place that is known to have water on it. Water occurs on our planet in all three forms naturally. Because water exists on Earth in great amounts, the substance plays a central role in many biological and chemical processes. All life of all species that are known to science requires water to exist. The goal of this paper is to discuss the chemical properties of water that are most important for life on Earth.
The fact that water particles create bonds is critical, and it determines many of the substance properties. Molecules of water are polar and attracted to one another, which allows them to form bonds (Green 00:01:38-00:02:40). Other substances that consist of polar molecules are dissolved into the water if they can break the cohesive forces between water molecules. This property makes water a universal solvent, which is crucial for all living organisms. This process plays a role in digestion, circulation, and excretion of waste.
High heat capacity of water is also critical for life to exist on the planet. Water takes time to heat and to cool down because it accumulates heating energy. Massive amounts of water in the oceans help regulate temperature and make consequences of weather change less drastic for living organisms. In humans and other mammals, this process is important for control of body temperature via perspiration.
Thus, the existence of water is critical for life on a planet. The substance plays a very important role in the processes that have been going on Earth for millions of years, creating the right environment for the existence and development of living organisms. Studying the mechanisms behind these processes is key to understanding chemistry and biology.
Work Cited
Green, Hank. “Water – Liquid Awesome: Crash Course Biology #2”, YouTube, uploaded by CrashCource. 2012. Web.