Sunday, April 24, 2005

Water: the structure and properties of liquid water

"Liquid water (H2O) is often perceived to be pretty ordinary as it is transparent, odorless, tasteless and ubiquitous. It is the simplest compound of the two most common reactive elements in the Universe. However, it is the most remarkable substance. Although we drink it, wash, fish and swim in it, and cook with it (although probably not all at the same time), we nearly always overlook the special relationship it has with our lives. Droughts cause famines and floods cause death and disease. We are about two-thirds water and, without it, we die within a few days. Life cannot evolve or continue without liquid water, which is why there is so much fuss about water being found on Mars and other planets and moons. It is unsurprising that it plays a central role in many of the World's religions. Because of its clear importance, water is the most studied material on Earth but it comes as a surprise to find that its behavior and function are so poorly understood (or even ignored), not only by people in general, but also by scientists working with it everyday."

I find this site about water and its properties very interesting. I think you will, too!

Note to Bard: Reading the water website counts as chemistry. I think you'll find it full of interesting facts.

You might like these posts, too.

Blog Widget by LinkWithin