The Water Molecule

In this topic, you will learn about the basic properties of water beginning with its atomic and molecular structure. Although water covers nearly two-thirds of our planet, the water molecule's special shape gives it many unique properties. These unique properties include polarity, cohesion and surface tension, solvent capabilities, thermal characteristics and density.

Essential Questions

• What is the atomic structure of a water molecule?
• What is a polar molecule?
• Why is water called the universal solvent?
• In what three states of matter does water exist?
• How does temperature affect the density of water?