- High Specific Heat Capacity: Water can absorb and release a large amount of heat without a significant change in temperature, making it an excellent thermal reservoir. - High Thermal Conductivity: Water conducts heat relatively well, enabling efficient heat transfer. - High Surface Tension: The strong molecular interactions at the surface of water create a high surface tension, giving it a beaded appearance and making it difficult to wet certain surfaces. - Low Viscosity: Water has a low viscosity, meaning it flows easily. - High Density: Water is relatively dense, approximately 1 gram per cubic centimeter at room temperature.
Chemical Properties:
- Polar Molecule: Water molecules are polar, meaning they have a partial negative charge on one end (oxygen) and a partial positive charge on the other end (hydrogen). This polarity enables water to interact with and dissolve ionic compounds and polar molecules. - Hydrogen Bonding: Water molecules form strong hydrogen bonds with each other, creating a three-dimensional network structure. These hydrogen bonds contribute to many of water's unique properties. - Covalent Bonds: The hydrogen and oxygen atoms in water are joined by covalent bonds, which are strong and stable. - Amphoteric: Water can act as both an acid and a base, meaning it can both donate and accept protons. - High Dipole Moment: The polar nature of water molecules results in a high dipole moment, making water a good solvent for polar substances.
Biological Properties:
- Essential for Life: Water is the predominant component of all living organisms and is essential for most biological processes, such as metabolism, cell function, and nutrient transport. - Versatile Solvent: The polarity and hydrogen bonding of water make it a versatile solvent that can dissolve a wide range of substances, including ions, polar molecules, and gases. - Transparent: Water is transparent in the visible spectrum, allowing light to penetrate deeply into aquatic ecosystems. - Buffering Capacity: Water helps buffer changes in pH, preventing rapid fluctuations in the acidity or alkalinity of biological systems. - Lubricant: Water acts as a lubricant in joints and other moving parts of organisms, reducing friction and wear.