Water: A Unique Chemical

Looking at the scientific qualities and abilities of H2O, this brief overview reminds students that water is necessary for life as we know it, existing naturally on Earth in all three of its states (liquid, solid, gas). Water is very close to a universal solvent, and is an ingredient in such vital chemical reactions as photosynthesis and exchanges of ions, especially in the first column of the periodic table of elements. Offering a solid introduction aimed at junior-high chemistry classrooms and up, this is recommended. Aud: J, H, P. (C. Cassady)