Properties of Water | Introduction
Introduction
Without water, the life forms we see on Earth could not possibly exist. This simple combination of three atoms—one oxygen, two hydrogen—acts in complex ways that can turn a barren, dusty planet into a thriving biological community. What are the properties of water that make it so versatile and vital? How can we measure and compare water's properties to those of other liquids?
A number of observable properties of water result from its molecular structure, meaning not only the atoms that make up water, but also the shape of the water molecule. The bonds between the one oxygen and two hydrogen atoms do not form a straight line but form an angle like a wide V. This shape gives the molecule a positive electric charge on one side and a negative electric charge on the other. This charge gives water the properties of adhesionAttraction between two different substances., the tendency to stick to certain other substances and cohesionAttraction between like substances., the tendency to stick to itself.