http://www.ck12.orgCHAPTER
(^15) Water
Chapter Outline
15.1 PROPERTIES OFWATER
15.2 AQUEOUSSOLUTIONS
15.3 Colloids and Suspensions
22.4 References
The view of Earth from space is quite mesmerizing. Since we live on the land, we may forget that over three quarters
of the Earth’s surface is actually covered by water—and what a phenomenal substance it is. Without water, life as
we know it would be impossible. Astronomers studying other planets and moons in the far reaches of our solar
system and beyond are frequently attempting to determine if these far away worlds are capable of sustaining life or
are looking for evidence that they may have sustained life in the past. What are they looking for? They are looking
for telltale geologic signs of the existence, either past or present, of water. Water is an incredibly simple molecule,
but its properties are fairly unique compared to most other substances you will ever encounter. In this chapter, you
will investigate the structure and properties of this most amazing and essential little compound.
NASA/Goddard S pace F light Center/Reto Stckli.www.f lickr.com/photos/gs f c/ 4426654941 /.CC BY 2. 0.