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Understanding Water |
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Pure water is designated as (H20). This notation shows that a water molecule consists of two atoms of hydrogen combined with one atom of oxygen.
It has a slightly blue color and only slightly compressible. Its maximum density occurs at 4°C (Centigrade) or 39.2°F (Farenheit). At this density it is the standard for the specific gravities of all other solids and liquids. Its specific heat is the basis for the calorie and the B.T.U. (British Thermal Unit) which are the most commonly used units of measurement for heat. It freezes at 32°F or 0°C and vaporizes (boils) at 212°F or 100°C.
On earth, liquid water is the primary ingredient in the tissues of all living organisms as well as a primary ingredient of the environment in which they live. As such, water is a key to the manifestation and evolution of the life on earth. In our solar system, both Venus and Mars are known to have water, but on Venus it exists as a gas and on Mars it exists as ice. There is no evidence, as yet, of life on Venus, but meteorite fragments reveal the possibility, if not probability, of life on Mars. As humans explore more of our solar system, we see that places devoid of water also appear devoid of any form of living organism. It may well be that without water, living organisms — as we understand them — cannot exist. |
Part of why water is so important to life is that water is a unique substance. Although its molecular weight is much lighter than most gases that make up our atmosphere, at ordinary temperatures water exists as a liquid and not a gas. Because water molecules are extremely small, light, and bipolar, they are able to exist as a liquid when other substances of the same or greater size and weight are gases. Its unique bonds called “hydrogen bonds” make it able to dissolve almost anything to some degree. This allows water to act like a universal medium in which many compounds with different chemical characteristics can interact in the process we call life.
Since water is so important to life, and since health is a reflection of life, it is no surprise that many health conscious consumers have started to pay close attention to what might be in the water they are taking into their bodies. As science continues to uncover more links between illness and common water contaminants, public interest in this issue is likely to continue growing exponentially.
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The Universal Solvent |
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Pure water is such an excellent solvent that it occurs very rarely — usually only in laboratory conditions. In nature, water is a solution that contains a wide variety of dissolved gases, minerals, and organic matter, as well as dirt, colloidal particles and microorganisms like bacteria, cysts, viruses, spores and molds.
Some of these dissolved substances exist in ionic form meaning that they are compounds that have a surplus positive or negative electrical charge. Some substances like sugar and other organic compounds dissolve in water but do not form electrically charged ions.
Dissolved substances in water can make the water solution alkaline or acid, or cause it to have a positive or negative redox (reduction-oxidation) potential. Some are toxic, some are harmless, and others are important nutrients to the human body.
In short, there are a variety of aspects that must be understood if a person wants to evaluate the many claims for water treatment devices, and whether or not the “science” used to back up product claims is likely to be real.
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Got A Question?
Use this link if you have a question about water, treatment options, health issues, or want to make a comment about what you read on this site. |
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