Biology 12th Edition

Published by McGraw-Hill Education
ISBN 10: 0078024269
ISBN 13: 978-0-07802-426-9

Chapter 2 - Basic Chemistry - Engage - Thinking Scientifically - Page 34: 3

Answer

Various properties of water play a role in the following explanation. Surface tension and high heat capacity specifically explain the process.

Work Step by Step

Water has high surface tension. Due to its surface tension, the water molecules on the surface bonded tightly, appear smooth and continuous. When the water molecules exposed to air, they cling together due to surface tension. When a person dives into the water, heat from his body is absorbed by the water and the person can feel the skin to be cooler. However, the temperature of the water does not rise since water has high heat capacity. Water droplets cling to the body due to the lipids present on the skin.
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