Chemical Properties of Water
- Amphoteric nature: Water is amphoteric in nature because it can act as both an acid and a base. Following two reactions show that water is amphoteric in nature.
H2O (l) + HCl (aq) ⇌ H3O+ + Cl–
H2O (l) + NH3 (aq) ⇌ NH4+ + OH–
- Redox reactions: Water is reduced to a hydrogen molecule by electropositive elements. As a result, water is a rich source of hydrogen. Water is oxidised to O2 during the photosynthesis process. Water is very useful in redox reactions because it can be oxidised and reduced.
- Hydrolysis reaction: Because of its dielectric constant, water has a very strong hydrating tendency. It dissolves a wide range of ionic compounds. Water can hydrolyze some covalent and ionic compounds.
Structure and Properties of Water
Water is a valuable natural resource. Water is essential for the survival of all living things. We can’t imagine a world without water. Water is required by animals and plants to complete their daily metabolic activities. Water is required by plants to synthesize their food through the photosynthesis process. We can all go days without food but cannot imagine going days without water; without water, even plants dry out and shed their leaves.
Table of Content
- Water
- States of Water
- Physical Properties of Water
- Chemical Properties of Water
- Structure of Water
- Structures of ice
- Significance of the structure of liquid water
- Importance of Water
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