Water MoleculesWater is made up of two hydrogen molecules and one oxygen molecule, attached to hydrogens with covalent bonds. This is because oxygen wants to fill its outer shell with electrons and is willing to steal them from the hydrogens. There is an angle of approximately 104 degrees between the two branched hydrogens; this is because the electron pairs repel each other due to their charges, forming a bent shape. Additionally, polar water molecules can connect with other water molecules via hydrogen bonds. This is because hydrogen, which has a positive charge, is attracted to other oxygens and their negative charge. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay The shape and structure of water leads to many unique properties. One of these properties is the fact that, unlike many other substances, water is less dense in its solid form than in its liquid form. The structure of the solid form of water, when formed together, creates an open space inside to create less density. In this state the bonds do not overlap, unlike in the liquid form. An example of this can be observed in nature when ice floats on water. Furthermore, water has a very high specific heat compared to other liquids. This is due to hydrogen bonds. It requires a large amount of energy to break the bonds between molecules. There must be enough heat to excite the molecules enough to break them. In nature, this occurs when water takes longer to boil than other substances, such as alcohol. Also included in these properties is the fact that water has a high surface tension. The hydrogen bonds between water molecules are very strong due to its polarity. This causes water molecules to cling to each other. They are difficult to separate and often stick together. This property occurs in nature when a container is filled to the brim with water. The container will actually appear to be overflowing, but the water molecules are still holding it together. In water, capillary action can be easily observed. The liquid rises in a tube or material and remains attached to the walls. In this case the polarity of the water is also attracted by the polarity of the sides, bringing them closer. The water will then lift other water molecules due to its cohesive nature. Adhesion to the walls overcomes the cohesion of the water molecules and the water will rise up the material. In nature, water naturally rises in a tube or thin container if it is placed upside down in the liquid, often even exceeding the actual water line. Please note: this is just a sample. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Water is a universal solvent because it can dissolve many other substances or materials. Water is polar, with oxygen having a positive charge and hydrogens being negative. Other molecules will be attracted to different parts of the water. Water often prevails over other forces and separates substances due to its high attractiveness, effectively dissolving them. Putting salt, or NaCl, in a glass of water and stirring it is a good example of water's solvent capabilities. It will appear as if the salt has completely disappeared as it has been dismantled! Works Cited Campbell, N. A., & Reece, J. B. (2005). Biology (7th ed.). Benjamin Cummings. Cengel, Y. A., & Boles, M. A. (2017). Thermodynamics: an engineering approach. McGraw-Hill Education.Houghton, J. (2009). Global warming: the complete briefing. Cambridge University Press.Lide, DR (ed.). (2005). CRC handbook of chemistry and physics (86th ed.). CRC Press.March, J. (ed.). (1992). Advanced organic chemistry: reactions,.