Answer to Question #154889 in General Chemistry for justus

Question

Characteristics and importance of water

Answer 1

water has 3 characteristics

1. Physical : Physical characteristics of water (temperature, colour, taste, odour and etc.) are determined by senses

of touch, sight, smell and taste. For example temperature by touch, colour, floating debris, turbidity

and suspended solids by sight, and taste and odor by smell.

2. Chemical : The health concerns associated with chemical constituents of

drinking-water arise mainly from the ability of chemical constituents to cause adverse health effects

after extended exposure time. There are few chemical constituents of water that can lead to health

problems resulting from even a single exposure. An appreciable number of serious health concerns

may occur as a result of the chemical contamination of drinking-water.

3. Biological : Water quality in developed and developing countries continues to deteriorate due to increased

movement of refugees in developing countries and natural disasters like flooding and droughts. 

Waterborne diseases bigger than wars and AIDs

Importance of water :

Water is an essential nutrient and plays a key role in the human body. We can survive up to several weeks without food, but only a few days without water. Every system in the body, from cells and tissues, to vital organs requires water to function.

• a) Water carries nutrients to all cells in our body and oxygen to our brain
• b)Water allows the body to absorb and assimilate minerals, vitamins, amino acids, glucose and other substances
• c) Water flushes out toxins and waste
• Water helps to regulate body temperature 
• d) Water acts as a lubricant for joints and muscles