Why are there anomalies in the properties of water?

  • Thread starter waterfall
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In summary, the website discusses the presence of anomalies in water properties and explains that these are not unique to water but are also present in other "tetrahedral" liquids such as silica, silicon, and germanium. The cause of these anomalies is attributed to the tetrahedral coordination of molecules in the solvation shell, which can result in smaller molecules exhibiting different behavior than larger molecules. The exact number of unsolved anomalies is not mentioned, but it is implied that there are multiple and their answers are not yet known.
  • #1
waterfall
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http://www.lsbu.ac.uk/water/anmlies.html

Why is there so much anomalies in water properties (as mentioned in the site above)? How many are really unsolved and would anyone here happen to know the answer to each puzzle?
 
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  • #2
There is nothing strange in fact that some small molecules of light elements behave differently than it would be logical if you look at trends determined for heavier molecules/elements. Effects that tend to be hidden by the more prominent effects present in large molecules become dominating in smaller molecules, hence the differences.
 
  • #3
Anomalies are not unique to water. It seems the key factor is the tetrahedral coordination of molecules in the solvation shell. Other "tetrahedral" liquids are e.g. silica, silicon, and germanium.
 

What are anomalies of H20?

Anomalies of H20 refer to the unique and unexpected properties of water that deviate from what is normally expected of a substance.

What is the significance of these anomalies?

The anomalies of H20 play a crucial role in many natural processes and are essential for sustaining life on Earth. They also have important applications in various industries, including medicine, agriculture, and energy production.

What are the main anomalies of H20?

The main anomalies of H20 include its high surface tension, high specific heat capacity, low density as a solid, and maximum density at 4°C.

Why does water have these anomalies?

The unique structure and bonding of water molecules, with its bent shape and polarity, contribute to these anomalies. These properties allow water molecules to form strong hydrogen bonds with each other, leading to the observed anomalies.

How do these anomalies impact the environment?

The anomalies of H20 have a significant impact on Earth's climate, ocean currents, and weather patterns. They also play a crucial role in the formation and maintenance of various ecosystems, such as wetlands and aquatic habitats.

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