Why Does Cold Water Increase Survival Rates in Drowning Incidents?

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In summary, people who have been submerged in very cold water and presumed drowned have a higher chance of being revived compared to those submerged in warmer water for a similar period of time. This is due to the fact that higher temperatures increase the rates of reaction, allowing for more efficient use of oxygen in the body. In warmer water, oxygen molecules escape more easily, leading to lower oxygen levels in the body and a decreased chance of survival.
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K.E
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People who have been submerged in very cold water, and presumed drowned, have sometimes been revived. By contrast, people who have been submerged for a similar period of time in warmer water have not survived. Suggest reasons for this difference.

I know this has to do with the fact that higher temperatures increase the rates of reaction because more particles collide with enough energy to react. But I am not sure of how to relate that to this question.

Thanks!
 
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  • #2
Think how fast oxygen is used by the tissues.
 
  • #3
Is it because oxygen dissolves more easily in cold water than in warm water? Also because when the water is warmer, its molecules move and vibrate faster, making it easier for oxygen molecules to escape from solutions?
 
  • #4
No, it is not about amount of oxygen dissolved in water. It is about oxygen in the body.
 
  • #5
Effect on Metabolism by temperature?
 

FAQ: Why Does Cold Water Increase Survival Rates in Drowning Incidents?

What is a rate of reaction?

A rate of reaction is the measure of how quickly a chemical reaction takes place. It is usually measured by the change in concentration of a reactant or product over time.

How is the rate of a reaction determined?

The rate of a reaction can be determined by measuring the change in concentration of a reactant or product over a specific period of time. This can be done using various experimental techniques such as spectrophotometry or titration.

What factors affect the rate of a reaction?

The rate of a reaction can be affected by several factors, including temperature, concentration of reactants, presence of a catalyst, and surface area of the reactants.

What is a reaction rate constant?

A reaction rate constant, also known as a rate constant, is a proportionality constant that relates the rate of a chemical reaction to the concentration of the reactants. It is specific for each reaction and can be used to determine the rate of a reaction at any given time.

How can the rate of a reaction be increased?

The rate of a reaction can be increased by increasing the temperature, concentration of reactants, or surface area of the reactants. The use of a catalyst can also significantly increase the rate of a reaction by lowering the activation energy needed for the reaction to occur.

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