water and life

waters 4 emergent properties homogeneous mixtures

cohesive behaviour

water molecules stick together, this occurs due to hydrogen bonds

temperature moderation

takes a lot of energy to heat up or cool down

expansion upon freezing

when water freezes it gets bigger and lighter. Water molecules arrange themselves in a hexagonal shape with empty spaces

versatility as a solvent

water is great at dissolving things

capillary action

when water climbs up against gravity in small spaces
example - water climbing up tiny tubes in stems

polar substances

molecules that have slightly positive and negative charges due to uneven distribution of electrons.

molecule

a group of atoms bonded together, neutral / no charge

ions

charged particles that result from the loss or gain of electrons.