Water (molecule)

Author: Leandro Alegsa

13-11-2022

Water (H₂O, HOH) covers 70-75% of the Earth's surface in its liquid and solid (ice) states, and is present in the atmosphere as a vapor. It is the most abundant molecule on the Earth's surface.

At room temperature, it is a nearly colorless, flavorless, and odorless liquid. Many substances dissolve in water and it is commonly seen as the universal solvent; because of this, water in nature and in use is rarely clean, and may have some properties different than those in the laboratory. But there are many compounds that are essentially, if not completely, insoluble in water. Water is the only common, pure substance found naturally in all three states of matter—for other substances, see Chemical properties.

Pure water is tasteless. It is the other chemicals in the water which may give water a flavour.

Questions and Answers

Q: What percentage of the Earth's surface is covered by water?

A: Water covers 70-75% of the Earth's surface.

Q: In what states can water be found on Earth?

A: Water can be found in its liquid and solid (ice) states, as well as in the atmosphere as a vapor.

Q: What is the most abundant molecule on Earth's surface?

A: Water is the most abundant molecule on Earth's surface.

Q: What are some properties of water when it is at room temperature?

A: At room temperature, water is a nearly colorless, flavorless, and odorless liquid.

Q: Why is water commonly seen as the universal solvent?

A: Many substances dissolve in water, which is why it is commonly seen as the universal solvent.

Q: Is water always clean in nature and in use?

A: Water in nature and in use is rarely clean, and may have some properties different than those in the laboratory.

Q: What other substances can be found naturally in all three states of matter?

A: Water is the only common, pure substance found naturally in all three states of matter.