Saltwater
Saltwater is a type of water that contains a significant amount of dissolved salts. It is commonly found in oceans and seas, but it can also be found in saltwater lakes and certain groundwater sources. The main salt present in saltwater is sodium chloride, but it also contains other salts such as magnesium chloride and sulfate.
Properties of Saltwater
1. Density: Saltwater is denser than fresh water due to the presence of dissolved salts.
2. Boiling Point: Saltwater has a higher boiling point than fresh water because the presence of salts raises the boiling point of the water.
3. Freezing Point: Saltwater has a lower freezing point than fresh water. The presence of salts lowers the freezing point of the water, which is why salt is used to melt ice on roads in cold climates.
Effects of Saltwater on Living Organisms
Saltwater presents unique challenges for living organisms due to its high salt content. Many organisms in the ocean have evolved special adaptations to survive in saltwater environments. However, exposure to high concentrations of salt can be harmful to freshwater organisms.
Study Guide
- Explain why saltwater is denser than freshwater.
- Discuss the impact of saltwater on the boiling and freezing points of water.
- Describe the adaptations of marine organisms to living in saltwater environments.
- Compare and contrast the properties of saltwater and freshwater.
