Water is a vital substance for all living organisms and is essential for various processes on Earth. Here are some basic facts, states, processes, and structure of water:
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Chemical Formula: The chemical formula of water is H2O, which means it consists of two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom.
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States of Water: Water exists in three states: solid, liquid, and gas. At temperatures below 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit), water freezes and becomes a solid, commonly known as ice. At temperatures between 0 degrees Celsius and 100 degrees Celsius (32-212 degrees Fahrenheit), water is in its liquid state. At temperatures above 100 degrees Celsius (212 degrees Fahrenheit), water boils and turns into a gas, known as steam.
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Processes Involving Water: Water participates in various processes on Earth, including:
- Evaporation: The process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas (water vapor) due to heat energy.
- Condensation: The process by which water vapor cools and changes back into a liquid form, forming clouds or dew.
- Precipitation: The release of water from clouds in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
- Transpiration: The process by which plants release water vapor through their leaves.
- Runoff: The movement of water over the Earth’s surface, usually flowing into rivers, lakes, or oceans.
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Structure of Water Molecule: The water molecule has a bent or V-shaped structure. The oxygen atom is located at the center, with two hydrogen atoms bonded to it. The angle between the two hydrogen atoms is approximately 104.5 degrees.
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Polarity: Water is a polar molecule, meaning it has a positive charge on one end (hydrogen) and a negative charge on the other end (oxygen). This polarity allows water molecules to attract each other, resulting in various unique properties of water, such as surface tension and capillary action.
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Universal Solvent: Water is often called the universal solvent because it has the ability to dissolve a wide range of substances. This property allows water to transport nutrients and minerals in living organisms and play a crucial role in chemical reactions.
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Density Anomaly: Unlike most substances, water exhibits an anomaly in its density. As water cools below 4 degrees Celsius (39.2 degrees Fahrenheit), it becomes denser until it reaches its maximum density at 4 degrees Celsius. However, as it continues to cool further, it expands and becomes less dense, which is why ice floats on water.
These are just a few basic facts, states, processes, and structural aspects of water. Water’s unique properties make it a fundamental component for sustaining life and shaping the Earth’s environment.
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