The second most common form of water on earth is “Ice”. When it is in hard crystals it is known as ice cubes and when in granular crystals it is known as snow. The solid form of water “ice” has less density than liquid water that’s why ice can float on the surface of water.
High polarity
The two molecules of hydrogen attached to the top corners of the oxygen atom as shown in the figure. This molecule structure gives favor to solve a number of other polar substances in it. That’s why water is known as a universal solvent. This molecule structure act as a magnet where positively charged hydrogen atoms attract the negative side of other molecules and vice versa. This causes a uniform mixing with the other substance.
Water keeps its temperature moderate
Another property of water is its high heat of vaporization. When temperature increases the top molecules gain energy and evaporate from the surface. This evaporation helps to maintain water temperature behind by leaving a cooling effect. This is the same as the production of sweat keeps our inner temperature moderate.
High specific heat
Specific heat is the amount of heat required to change the temperature of a substance. Water has the characteristics of having high specific heat. High specific heat means it can absorb a lot of heat before it changes its temperature. This property of water helps the marine life to regulate the temperature of the body and live effectively in water.
Water covers a lot of earth crust due to its property of maintaining its liquid form over a wide range of temperature that is from zero to 100 degree Celsius.
High Surface Tension
Another property of the water is its cohesiveness. The water molecules at the surface of the water do not have molecules at their all sides so they become strongly attached to their neighboring molecules making a strong “surface film”. This film is so strong that you cannot break it until you put a force of 72 dynes. Water high surface tension is essential for transportation of blood and water in animals and plants respectively. Due to high surface tension, objects can float on the surface of the water.
Capillary Action
Capillary action is the force of water that allows it to move up in a tube against the gravity force. This force along with surface tension is also necessary for the movement of water to move up in the plants.
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