Water is one of the most common substances in our lives, let's get to know each other!
What you may not know is that water molecules have a very peculiar property – they are free to connect with other water molecules and form a network structure. This property is known as hydrogen bonding, and it allows water molecules to hold together tightly when in a liquid state, exhibiting a high degree of cohesion and mutual attraction. This is why the water droplets are able to stay round and adhere to the surface. This small hydrogen bond gives water the ability to carry life and maintain environmental balance.
Another surprising phenomenon is the change in the density of water. When the temperature decreases, most substances shrink and become denser, but water is different. When water molecules are cooled below 0 degrees Celsius, their density starts to decrease rather than grow. This means that the density of ice is less than that of liquid water, making the ice float on the surface of liquid water. This particular property has had an important impact on the natural world, protecting the living space of underwater life.
In addition, water has a magical heat capacity. Compared to other liquids, water is sluggish to temperature changes and requires more energy to raise or lower its temperature. This heat capacity is able to buffer the drastic temperature changes of the environment and create a stable climate on Earth. It is precisely because of the high heat capacity of water that the oceans and lakes on Earth are able to absorb and store large amounts of energy, providing a relatively stable habitat for living things.
Although we deal with water on a daily basis, few of us are aware of the amazing properties it exhibits. Water's hydrogen bonds, unusual density variations, and unique heat capacity have brought us back to this seemingly mundane substance. When we understand these characteristics, we are amazed by the wonders of water and value its important role in our lives even more.