SOL 6.6 Properties of Water

SOL 6.6 Properties of Water Grade 6 Science Middle Home

SOL 6.6 Unique Nature of Water (new 2018 standards)
The student will investigate and understand the unique properties and characteristics of water and its roles in the natural and human-made environment. Key concepts include water is referred to as the universal solvent water has specific properties; thermal energy has a role in phase changes; water has a role in weathering; large bodies of water moderate climate; and water is important for agriculture, power generation, and public health. Central Idea: Due to water’s properties, it is a fundamental compound necessary for Earth’s processes. Polar Nature of Water Molecules Due to water’s structure, many substances will dissolve in water. For this reason, water is often called the universal solvent. The structure of water molecules allows for the attraction of these molecules to each other, leading to cohesion. Their structure also allows water molecules to stick to other surfaces, leading to adhesion Surface tension is the property of the surface of a liquid that allows it to resist an external force. This property is due to the cohesive nature of water molecules Water is the only compound that commonly exists in all three states (solid, liquid, gas) on Earth. The unique properties of water are a major factor in the ability of our planet to sustain life. Thermal energy added to a system increases the kinetic energy of molecules and results in temperature and phase changes. Water is able to absorb thermal energy without showing relatively large changes in temperature. Large bodies of water act to moderate the climate of surrounding areas by absorbing thermal energy in summer and slowly releasing that energy in the winter. For this reason, the climate near large bodies of wateris slightly milder than areas without large bodies of water. Physical and Chemical Weathering Water shapes landscapes and is a powerful agent in weathering and erosion. Water (rain, ice, snow) has shaped our environment by physically and chemically weathering rock and soil and transporting sediments. Freezing water can break rock without any change in the minerals that form the rock (physical weathering). This usually produces small particles and sand. Water, along with dissolved gases and other chemicals, causes the minerals in rocks to be changed, leading to the deterioration of the rock (chemical weathering). Erosion is the movement of the materials by water or wind Humans affect the quality, availability, and distribution of Earth’s water. Most of Earth’s water (97 percent) is salt water in the oceans. Available fresh water, used by humans and other organisms, makes up less than one percent of the water on Eart. Water is essential for agriculture and in power generation. Accessibility of clean, fresh water is critical in maintaining public health.

SOL 6.6 Unique Nature of Water (new 2018 standards)

water is referred to as the universal solvent
water has specific properties;
thermal energy has a role in phase changes;
water has a role in weathering;
large bodies of water moderate climate; and
water is important for agriculture, power generation, and public health.

Central Idea: Due to water’s properties, it is a fundamental compound necessary for Earth’s processes.

Polar Nature of Water Molecules

Due to water’s structure, many substances will dissolve in water. For this reason, water is often called the universal solvent.
The structure of water molecules allows for the attraction of these molecules to each other, leading to cohesion. Their structure also allows water molecules to stick to other surfaces, leading to adhesion
Surface tension is the property of the surface of a liquid that allows it to resist an external force. This property is due to the cohesive nature of water molecules

Water is the only compound that commonly exists in all three states (solid, liquid, gas) on Earth.
- The unique properties of water are a major factor in the ability of our planet to sustain life.
Thermal energy added to a system increases the kinetic energy of molecules and results in temperature and phase changes.
Water is able to absorb thermal energy without showing relatively large changes in temperature.
- Large bodies of water act to moderate the climate of surrounding areas by absorbing thermal energy in summer and slowly releasing that energy in the winter.
- For this reason, the climate near large bodies of wateris slightly milder than areas without large bodies of water.

Physical and Chemical Weathering

Water shapes landscapes and is a powerful agent in weathering and erosion.

Water (rain, ice, snow) has shaped our environment by physically and chemically weathering rock and soil and transporting sediments.
Freezing water can break rock without any change in the minerals that form the rock (physical weathering).
This usually produces small particles and sand.

Water, along with dissolved gases and other chemicals, causes the minerals in rocks to be changed, leading to the deterioration of the rock (chemical weathering).
Erosion is the movement of the materials by water or wind
Humans affect the quality, availability, and distribution of Earth’s water.
Most of Earth’s water (97 percent) is salt water in the oceans.
Available fresh water, used by humans and other organisms, makes up less than one percent of the water on Eart.
Water is essential for agriculture and in power generation.
Accessibility of clean, fresh water is critical in maintaining public health.