why water(H2O) is so special that it is responsible for life on earth?

Chemistry In Focus
7th Edition
ISBN:9781337399692
Author:Tro, Nivaldo J.
Publisher:Tro, Nivaldo J.
Chapter11: The Air Around Us
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 13E: Why is oxygen central to the existence of animal life? Use reactions to explain.
icon
Related questions
Question

why water(H2O) is so special that it is responsible for life on earth?

Expert Solution
Step 1

Water molecules are polar, so they form hydrogen bonds. This means that water is partially charged i.e in the water hydrogen acquires a partial positive charge and oxygen acquires a partial negative charge owing to its electronegativity.  The polarity of water allows it to dissolve other polar substances very easily. Thus water carries dissolved chemicals, minerals, and nutrients that are used to support living things.

steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Carboxylic Acids and their Derivatives
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, chemistry and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Recommended textbooks for you
Chemistry In Focus
Chemistry In Focus
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781337399692
Author:
Tro, Nivaldo J.
Publisher:
Cengage Learning,
Chemistry: Principles and Practice
Chemistry: Principles and Practice
Chemistry
ISBN:
9780534420123
Author:
Daniel L. Reger, Scott R. Goode, David W. Ball, Edward Mercer
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Chemistry: The Molecular Science
Chemistry: The Molecular Science
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781285199047
Author:
John W. Moore, Conrad L. Stanitski
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
General Chemistry - Standalone book (MindTap Cour…
General Chemistry - Standalone book (MindTap Cour…
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305580343
Author:
Steven D. Gammon, Ebbing, Darrell Ebbing, Steven D., Darrell; Gammon, Darrell Ebbing; Steven D. Gammon, Darrell D.; Gammon, Ebbing; Steven D. Gammon; Darrell
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Chemistry In Focus
Chemistry In Focus
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305084476
Author:
Tro, Nivaldo J., Neu, Don.
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Chemistry for Engineering Students
Chemistry for Engineering Students
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781285199023
Author:
Lawrence S. Brown, Tom Holme
Publisher:
Cengage Learning