Question

State Henry's law. Why are aquatic species more comfortable in cold water as compared to warm water?

Hint:

Remember that cold water holds more dissolved oxygen than warm water, making it ideal for aquatic life.

Answer 1

Henry's law dictates that at a stable temperature, the quantity of gas dissolved in a liquid is directly proportional to the gas's partial pressure above the liquid. Oxygen exhibits higher solubility in cold water, thus supplying aquatic life with greater dissolved oxygen. Conversely, solubility diminishes in warm water, challenging aquatic species' ability to acquire adequate oxygen. This phenomenon accounts for the enhanced comfort of aquatic organisms in colder water relative to warmer water.