The Importance of Water: Properties, Composition, and Human Health

Study Notes

Water is one of the essential elements of life. It covers over 75% of the Earth's surface and accounts for approximately 69% of our body weight. In this article, we will explore various aspects of water, including its properties, chemical composition, and role in human health.

Properties of Water

Water has several unique properties that make it essential for life. Its high specific heat capacity allows it to regulate body temperature efficiently. Additionally, water has a high thermal conductivity, making it an effective medium for transferring heat energy within organisms. Water also exhibits a high boiling point relative to other compounds with similar molecular weights. This property helps maintain stable environments where living organisms can survive.

Chemical Composition

Water consists of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom held together by covalent bonds. The molecular formula of water is H2O. Each molecule contains six electrons distributed between three bonding pairs and two unshared electron pairs on the highly polar oxygen atom. Water is a polar compound because of the partial positive charge around each hydrogen atom and the partial negative charge around the oxygen atom. The polarity of water gives rise to many of its unique properties, such as its ability to dissolve salts and support ionic equilibria.

Human Health and Water

Humans require water to perform numerous metabolic functions, maintain body temperature, and transport nutrients throughout their bodies. The average adult requires about 3 liters of water per day for normal bodily functions. When we become dehydrated due to excessive sweating, diarrhea, vomiting, or not drinking enough, serious health problems may arise. These range from headaches, dizziness, muscle cramps, and confusion to more severe conditions like heat stroke.

In conclusion, water plays a crucial role in maintaining life on Earth. Through its unique properties and chemical composition, it supports various biological processes and is essential for the survival of all known forms of terrestrial life.