Chapter 8:WATER

  Introduction 

22 March is World water day. UN recommends 50 liters of water per person per day. 2003 was the international year of freshwater observed by the UN. 2005-2015 was the international decade for action on WATER FOR LIFE.71 % of earth is covered with water.

Properties of Water

1. Water has high boiling point, high freezing point, high heat of vaporization 
   
2. high heat of fusion [controls body temperature],
   
3. specific heat [leads to moderation of temperature of climate],
   
4. thermal conductivity,
   
5. dipole movement,
   
6. excellent solvent [helps in transportation of ions in plants],
   
7. Amphoteric [acts as acid and base] and high dielectric constant. This is due to extensive presence of strong bond between hydrogen.

Hardness of Water

Temporary hardness of water is due to calcium and magnesium hydrogen carbonates. It can be removed by boiling and addition of lime. This converts them to carbonates and hydroxide which are soluble.

Permanent hardness is due to presence of Magnesium and calcium chlorides and sulphates it is treated using washing soda.

Aquifers

Aquifers are underground water resources where water is stored between rock layers.

Earths Water Composition:

                                                                TABLE 1: WATER SUPPLY

Miscellaneous

During fires we must wrap a woolen blanket over a burning object to cut off the supply of air to it

During heavy rains, water flows into soil and covers all air pockets so earthworms rise to the surface to breathe.

Hydrogen peroxide is used as a bleaching agent, treating industrial effluents and pollution control.

Eucalyptus trees should be planted along sewage lines as these absorb wastewater and release water vapor into the atmosphere.

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Quiz

Score more than 80% marks and move ahead else stay back and read again!