THE WEIRDNESS OF WATER: A DIVE INTO ITS FASCINATING PROPERTIES

Water, an essential substance for life, is one of the most enigmatic in the universe. Although odorless, colorless, and tasteless, its unique characteristics challenge basic chemical rules and have a profound impact on life as we know it.

The millennial journey of water

Since the dawn of time, every water molecule on Earth has embarked on an extraordinary journey. Transported through rocks, air, animals, and plants, the water we consume today was once part of dinosaurs, oceans, and icebergs. Surprisingly, all the water on the planet is of extraterrestrial origin, brought to Earth by asteroids and comets.

Anomalous properties

Despite its molecular simplicity – composed of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom – water exhibits properties that make it an exception in the chemical world. Strangely, it remains liquid under conditions where it should be gaseous, and when it freezes, it expands rather than contracts, allowing ice to float. This characteristic was crucial for the evolution of life forms during glacial eras.

Curious behaviours

Water possesses other peculiarities: hot water freezes faster than cold, a phenomenon not yet fully understood. Capillary action, which allows water to rise against gravity in tiny channels, is vital for the nourishment of plants and the distribution of nutrients and oxygen in the human body.

Universal presence

We now know that water is the second most common molecule in the universe. In addition to being abundant on Earth, it also exists on the Moon, Mars, Pluto, and in nearly everybody in our solar system. The presence of water is a promising indicator in the search for extraterrestrial life.

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This article was inspired by videos and articles published by the BBC, exploring the intriguing properties of water and its fundamental role in terrestrial life. For more information, please refer to the original articles on the BBC Brasil and BBC Reel websites.