SF AQUA | Kukosha kweMvura

 

The Chemistry of Water

• ice is less dense than water, which is contrary to the common idea that solids are generally denser than their respective liquids.
• water is colourless and odorless.
• water is a very good solvent besides substances like ethanol (an alcohol). e.g. in chromatography or dissolving ionic compounds like sodium chloride (NaCl) a.k.a. table salt.
• there is an average of two hydrogen bonds per molecule of water.

This liquid is necessary for life!

Why is Water so important to Human Beings?

1. It dilutes and moistens food.
2. It assists with the regulation of body temperature (e.g. the evaporation of sweat from the skin, which leaves the skin a bit cool).
3. It is needed for all cell functions.
4. It is needed to transport water-soluble vitamins.
5. It is necessary for neutralising stomach acids in the food that comes from the stomach and deposited in the duodenum (or small intestines in general).
6. Water is used to dilute soluble salts that are in the kidneys (to prevent the formation of kidney stones) and urine.

Why is Water so important to the Environment?

1. It is needed for plants to be ridged.
2. it is needed for processes like photosynthesis, evapotranspiration and osmosis.
3. It is needed for aquatic life to find shelter and a relevant and suitable environment for survival.