H2O Simple Formula, Remarkable Molecule

Water s uniqne properties make it essential to life and determine its behavior in the hydrosphere and in interactions with all other environmental spheres, including its many uses in the anthro-sphere. As noted earlier in this section, these properties are due primarily to water s molecular structure, including its polar character and ability to form hydrogen bonds. The more important characteristics of water pertinent to its environmental behavior, uses, and interactions with all the environmental spheres are summarized in Table 3.1. 

Higher surface tension than any other liquid 

Transparent to visible and longer-wavelength fraction of ultraviolet light 

Higher heat of ev oration than any other material 

Higher latent heat of fusion than any other liquid except ammonia 

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