The Astonishing Science of Why Water is Wet?

Have you ever wondered why water is wet? It may seem like a silly question, but the answer lies in the astonishing science of water's molecular structure.

In this article, we will explore the science behind why water is wet, and what this means for our understanding of the world around us.

First, it's important to understand what we mean by "wet." When we say that something is wet, we mean that it is covered or saturated with water or another liquid. So, what is it about water that makes it able to cover and saturate other surfaces?

The answer lies in the molecular structure of water. Water is a molecule made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, represented by the chemical formula H2O. These atoms are held together by covalent bonds, which means that they share electrons in order to form a stable molecule.

One of the unique properties of water is its polarity. Because the oxygen atom in the molecule is more electronegative than the hydrogen atoms, it pulls the shared electrons closer to itself. This creates a partial negative charge on the oxygen atom, and partial positive charges on the hydrogen atoms. The resulting uneven distribution of charges makes water a polar molecule.

This polarity is what allows water to interact with other molecules and surfaces. When water comes into contact with a solid surface, such as your skin or a piece of paper, the partial positive charges on the hydrogen atoms are attracted to the negative charges on the surface.

This attraction causes the water molecules to spread out and cover the surface, making it "wet."

But why does water stick to itself? This is due to a phenomenon known as hydrogen bonding. Because the hydrogen atoms in water have a partial positive charge, they are attracted to the partial negative charge on the oxygen atoms of neighboring water molecules. This attraction creates a weak bond between the two molecules, which is known as a hydrogen bond.

Hydrogen bonding is what gives water its unique properties, such as high surface tension and the ability to absorb a lot of heat before it starts to boil. It's also what allows water to exist in all three states of matter - solid, liquid, and gas - at temperatures and pressures that are suitable for life as we know it.

So, why is it important to understand the science behind why water is wet? For one thing, it helps us appreciate the complexity of the world around us. Water is one of the most common substances on Earth, and its unique properties have a profound impact on our planet's climate, geology, and biology.

Understanding the science of water also has practical applications. For example, scientists are studying the properties of water to develop new materials with similar properties, such as self-cleaning surfaces and super-hydrophobic coatings. The study of water is also essential for understanding the chemistry of life, as water is the medium in which many biological processes take place.

In conclusion, the science of why water is wet is fascinating and complex. The polarity of water molecules and the phenomenon of hydrogen bonding are what allow water to interact with other molecules and surfaces, and to exist in all three states of matter. Understanding the properties of water is essential for appreciating the complexity of the natural world, as well as for developing new materials and understanding the chemistry of life.

Ref. taken from

1. https://www.labkafe.com/blog/common-lab-equipment-1121
2. https://medium.com/everyday-science/why-is-water-wet-d8eec07dd4c5