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Thermal Properties of Water

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71% of Earth’s surface is water. Oceans make up 97.5% of all that water (Fraser, Cain). What happens when we continue to change and pollute the oceans and how do water’s properties react to it? Water has a higher latent heat and specific heat capacity than other substances. Water’s thermal properties are also unique when thinking about expansion and contraction. Water like other substances contract when the temperature get lower, although 4 – 0 degrees Celsius actually expands. A very important factor in our ecosystem based on water’s special thermal properties is that water evaporates even when the temperature is not at the boiling point. Water’s density plays a big role in the glaciers. Due to the way water is constructed. Ice is less dense than cold water which allows the glaciers to float. The special thermal properties of water also affect the planets ecosystem. Water has a very high specific heat capacity which allows Earth’s climate to be stable and not to change temperatures quickly. Oceans are an important part of the earth although due to new technology, a change in our everyday life and pollution is causing serious climate change. Global warming is something most of us are aware of but not of all the consequences it has. When the temperature of water and other substances rises it causes the molecules to move further apart causing the substance to expand (“Expansion”). Global warming causes the water temperature to rise which then causes the water to expand.

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