What are some characteristic properties of water?
Water is a weakly polar covalent molecule due to the unequal sharing of the electrons in the molecule. The weak charges allows the formation of hydrogen bonds among the water molecules giving it unique properites: Water is a good solvent of charged molecules especially ionic substances. Water has an unusually high boiling point and freezing point. Frozen (solid) water is less dense than liquid water therefore will float on top of the water. Water has high surface tension allowing insects to “walk” on the surface of the water. Water is a good temperature moderator in the environment. Water has a high degree of cohesiveness.
