Grade 7 → Water and its importance ↓
Properties of Water
Water is one of the most important substances on Earth. It's everywhere, from the air we breathe to the food we eat. Understanding its properties helps us understand why water is essential for life and how it interacts with other substances.
Molecular structure of water
Water has a simple chemical formula: H 2 O
Each molecule contains two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.
H , Oh
This arrangement gives water its wonderful properties. The oxygen atom is more electronegative, which means it pulls electrons closer to itself than the hydrogen atoms. This creates a slightly negative charge near the oxygen atom and a slightly positive charge near the hydrogen atoms, making water a polar molecule.
Cohesion and adhesion
Fusion refers to the attraction between molecules of the same substance. In water, fusion is caused by hydrogen bonds, which form when the positive part of one water molecule is attracted to the negative part of another. This is why water droplets can form beads on surfaces.
O -- H ••• H -- O , HH
These "•••" represent hydrogen bonds.
In contrast, adhesion is the attraction between molecules of different substances. For example, when water drips onto a paper towel, it's because the water molecules are attracted to the cellulose in the paper.
Surface tension
Surface tension is a property that allows the surface of water to spread out without breaking. This is why lightweight insects, such as water striders, can walk on water without sinking. This is because the cohesive forces between water molecules are stronger at the surface, forming a kind of "skin".
High specific heat
Water has a very high specific heat capacity, which means it can absorb a lot of heat before its temperature rises. This property helps stabilize Earth's climate and create a suitable environment for organisms.
Density and ice formation
Unlike most substances, water expands when it freezes. Ice is less dense than liquid water, which is why it floats. This happens because the water molecules form a crystalline structure that takes up more space.
Höh , Oh Oh , HH
This structure makes the ice less dense, ensuring that ice forms on top of water bodies, preserving the liquid water underneath and providing a habitat for aquatic life.
Water as a solvent
Water is often called the "universal solvent" because it can dissolve more substances than any other liquid. This property is due to water's polarity. Water molecules surround charged particles such as ions, separating them and keeping them in solution.
H 2 O + NaCl (salt) → Na + + Cl - in solution
Evaporation and condensation
Evaporation is when water changes from liquid to gas. This process requires energy because water molecules have to break hydrogen bonds to move into the air. In contrast, condensation is the change from gas to liquid, which releases energy to the surrounding environment.
pH and water
Water naturally has pH
7, which means it is neither acidic nor alkaline. pH
scale ranges from 0 to 14, and water's neutrality is essential for most biological processes.
The role of water in the environment
Water is very important in supporting ecosystems. It serves as a habitat for many organisms and participates in essential processes such as the water cycle, which includes evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff.
Water cycle
The water cycle is a continuous process in which water moves from the Earth's surface to the atmosphere and back:
- Evaporation: Water in oceans, rivers and lakes turns into vapor.
- Condensation: Water vapor cools and forms clouds.
- Precipitation: Water returns to the earth as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
- Runoff: Water flows over the land, and replenishes water bodies.
Visual example of the water cycle
Importance of water in life
Water is essential for all known life forms. It is involved in many physiological processes, including metabolism, temperature regulation, and waste removal. In plants, water is vital for photosynthesis, the process by which they produce energy.
Conclusion
Water's unique properties make it a vital component of Earth's systems and biological processes. Its ability to dissolve substances, regulate temperature, expand when frozen, and provide habitats make it indispensable. As we learn more about water, we gain a deeper understanding of its role in sustaining life on our planet.