Water
Definition and meaning of Water in chemistry.
Water is a simple yet crucial chemical compound consisting of two hydrogen atoms covalently bonded to one oxygen atom. It is the universal solvent, essential for all known forms of life, and covers most of the Earth's surface.
In more detail
Due to the high electronegativity of oxygen, water molecules are highly polar and form strong hydrogen bonds with one another. This extensive hydrogen bonding network gives water anomalous physical properties, such as a high boiling point, high specific heat capacity, and the unusual characteristic of its solid phase (ice) being less dense than its liquid phase. Water acts as a solvent for many ionic and polar substances, facilitating biochemical reactions and transport processes.
Key facts
| Field | General Chemistry |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | H2O |
| Molecular Geometry | Bent |
When sodium chloride (NaCl) is placed in water, the polar water molecules surround and separate the Na+ and Cl- ions, dissolving the salt.
Frequently asked questions
Why does ice float on liquid water?
Ice floats because its crystal structure spaces the water molecules further apart than they are in the liquid state, making ice less dense than liquid water.