Water, the unsung hero of the beverage world, is not just a tasteless, odorless, and colorless liquid. Every organism on Earth needs water to survive. It's a magical elixir that plays a crucial role in our lives and the entire planet. But what exactly makes water so special?
Water is the medium for life. As we know it, life most likely originated in water. Water is required for life as it is the medium for metabolic reactions, a transport medium, and involved in many chemical reactions.
Water is a polar covalent molecule. The oxygen in water is more electronegative than the hydrogens , therefore having greater attraction for the electrons and makes oxygen slightly negatively charged. This results in the formation of hydrogen bonds. Hydrogen bonds are bonds that occur between the oxygen of one water molecule and the hydrogen of another water molecule. This leads to water having a strong surface tension, the property of a substance to resist an external force.
Water also has adhesive and cohesive properties. Adhesion refers to the attraction between different kinds of molecule. Cohesion refers to the attraction between same kinds of molecules.
As you may also have observed, when you put ice on a glass of water, the ice floats on top. Water is less dense as a solid than as a liquid due to the pattern of hydrogen bonding that develops as water solidifies. This leads to the property of buoyancy, a force that counteracts the force of gravity. The high density of liquid water creates high buoyancy, allowing less dense materials to float.
The specific heat capacity is how much energy is needed to raise the temperature of a substance by 1 degree celcius. Water has high specific heat capacity because of the hydrogen bonds between water molecules, as in order for temperature to increase, the intermolecular forces must be overcome. This allows marine animals to maintain a constant body temperature.
Thermal conductivity is the ability of a substance to transfer heat when there is a temperature difference. Water has high thermal conductivity compared with other liquids, meaning it can stabilize at a certain temperature.
So, the next time you take a sip of water, marvel at its extraordinary properties. It's not just a drink, but a superhero in liquid form, making life possible!
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