The Properties of Water The chemical formula for water is H 2 O. This mean that each molecule of water is made from two Atoms of hydrogen and one atom of oxygen.

Each end of a water molecule has a slight electrical charge. The oxygen end has a negative charge. The hydrogen end has a positive charge. This makes it a polar molecule.

Water molecules tend to stick together because of this polarity. The positive and negative ends attract, much like a magnet. This causes surface tension. Surface tension is the tightness of the surface of water caused by the molecules pulling on each other. This causes water to have a curved surface.

Another property of water is capillary action. Just like water molecules are attracted to each other, they Are also attracted to other objects. When they are, they Pull other water molecules along with them. This is how water moves up a straw, or through a plant.

A solution is formed when one substance dissolves in another. The substance that dissolves is the solute and the one that does the dissolving is the solvent. Water is often called the “universal solvent”, as so many Substances dissolve in it.

Nonpolar molecules, such as those of oil, do not dissolve in water. They have no charge.

Water can exist in three states forms): 1.Solid 2. Liquid 3.Gas Water is a liquid in its natural state.

Solid water is ice. Water freezes at 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees F). The water molecules are close together in a solid. They move very little.

As a liquid, water molecules are more spread apart and move more. When liquid water is heated to 100 degrees Celsius (212 degrees F), it will boil. When water boils, it will change to a gas, or steam.

Evaporation is another way that water changes from a liquid to a gas. This occurs at the surface of a liquid. Condensation occurs when water vapor cools down.

In water vapor, the molecules are actively moving and spread out. Water is unique in that, when it freezes, it becomes less dense. This is why ice floats on water.