You will be required to do a term paper on one of the topics listed below 1. Dis

Question

You will be required to do a term paper on one of the topics listed below 1. Discuss how the unique physical and chemical properties of water contribute to the importance of water for life on Earth to survive. 2. Discuss how the methods of experimentation and observation have changed throughout the history of science 3. Explain the role so called "accidental discoveries played in the history of science 4. Describe the major experiments and scientists involved in the discovery of DNA as our hereditary material and its structure. 5. Explain what role women played in the Scientific Revolution of the 18th Century? What role do women in science play today? This assignment will be worth 10% of your grade. Your paper should be creative, interesting and 24 pages (500-1,000 words) in length. It should be well-organized and demonstrate an orderly fow of information that clearly addresses the subject chosen.

Explanation / Answer

Water is a colorless and transparent chemical substance which is the main constituent of streams, oceans, lakes on the earth’s crust. More than 1/3rd of the earths surface is covered by this simple molecule.Water is also essential for life. Water is the major constituent of almost all life forms. Most animals and plants contain more than 60% water by volume. Without water life would probably never have developed on our planet. It has a very simple atomic structure. It consists of two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom. The Hydrogen side of the molecule has a slight positive charge, while on the other side a negative charge exists. A few physical properties of water which help in the sustainment of life on earth include high specific heat, high surface tension , conduction etc.

Specific heat is the amount of heat required to chnage the temperature of the substance. It is because of this high specific heat, water can absorb a large amount of heat before raising its temperature  It also means that water releases heat energy slowly when situations cause it to cool. This property of water allows the surface of the earth to be at a moderate temperature and helps organisms regulate their body temperature more effectively. Water's high surface tension allows for the formation of water droplets and waves, allows plants to move water (and dissolved nutrients) from their roots to their leaves, and the movement of blood through tiny vessels in the bodies of some animals. It is the only substance that can exist in all the three states of matter i.e Solid, Liquid and Gas. Incorporated in the changes of state are massive amounts of heat exchange. This feature plays an important role in the redistribution of heat energy in the Earth's atmosphere. In terms of heat being transferred into the atmosphere, approximately 3/4's of this process is accomplished by the evaporation and condensation of water. It plays an important role in digestion and other biological processes that occur in living organisms. It plays an important role in maintaining the pH of the body. It also helps in the movement of antibodies from the immune system.When water becomes cooler and freezes, it actually expands, because each water molecule connects to its neighboring water molecules with hydrogen bonds. This creates a crystal-shaped structure between the molecules, which spreads them out and increases the volume. which thus makes ice less dense and makes it to float on top.and inturn allows life to exist on earth. Because ice floats it essentially creates a blanket on the water below it, which insulates it and prevents the water from freezing and thus help the aquatic and marine organisms to survive all through the winter season. Water has a high surface tension,. It is adhesive and has a tendency to form droplets rather than spread out and form a thin surface film. This property thus allows for the formation of water droplets and waves allows plants to move water and nutrients from their roots to their leaves, and the movement of blood through tiny vessels in the bodies of some animals. Water is a universal solvent. It is able to dissolve a large number of different chemical compounds. This feature also enables water to carry solvent nutrients in runoff, infiltration, goundwater flow and living organisms. The heat conducting capacity of water causes large bodies of water to have an essentially verticle profile.

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