Jun 27 , 2014

The Science Behind Water- For Kids!

Without a doubt, water is the most important liquid on the planet. Plants, animals, humans and other organisms would not survive without it. Not only is water important, it is everywhere! It takes shape in the form of solid, liquid and gas, and is present in the environment in nearly all things.

It's important to learn the many uses of water, so that next glass of water is a science lesson. Whether a person is buying water at the supermarket, or watching the rain come pouring down, it's important to gain an understanding of the purposes of water. People use water for a number of reasons, including drinking, bathing, cooking and cleaning. Water makes up a large part of the world and also makes up a large part of the human body, which shows that it is something that can't be taken advantage of. There are many different forms of water and types of drinking water, so it makes sense to learn how this beautiful liquid plays a role in lives every day.

The Science Behind Water

Even if a person has never taken a science class, they've probably heard water referred to as H2O. In scientific terms, this means that water, when broken down, is made of one oxygen atom and two hydrogen atoms. When these atoms combine, they form H2O, or water. Studies show that the human body is built with more than 70 percent water. Not to mention, blood is made of more than 80 percent water. When people need energy, hydration and overall well-being, water is needed. When heat is added to water, it has a boiling point of 212 degrees Fahrenheit and 100 degrees Celsius.

Forms of Water

Water takes three basic forms, solid, liquid and gas. The most common and understood version is the liquid form. In liquid form, people drink, bathe and water crops with water. In solid form, water is frozen into ice, which is used for cooling and other purposes. Water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit and 0 degrees Celsius. In gas form, water evaporates and becomes one with the atmosphere. Evaporated water affects weather conditions and is also present in the form of steam.

Different Types of Water

There are many types of water and each has its benefits. A person might go to the grocery store, walk down the beverage aisle and notice many different types of bottled water. Distilled water refers to water that was first turned into steam and then back into water, so that all of the impurities are removed. Spring water is taken from underground and typically contains a number of minerals. Fresh water is found in bodies of water and in the earth's surface, and does not have a large salt content. Seawater, also known as salt water, has more than 3 percent sodium and is not drinkable.

What is Water Used For?

Humans are advised to drink at least eight glasses of water per day in order to remain healthy and functional. This is the largest and most important benefit of water. People use water to wash structures like buildings and cars, while farmers use water to help crops grow, so that people have fresh fruits and vegetables on their dinner table. People and animals also use water to bathe on a regular basis, to promote good hygiene. Water acts as an important element in the lives of people and all organisms every day.

How Water Helps Us

Water is taken in every day to help people in a number of ways. One of the most important ways water helps is in the digestion of food. It will help people get rid of toxic materials inside of their bodies, allowing them to remain healthy and free of diseases. When people do not drink enough water, they leave themselves open to poor blood pressure and kidney problems. Since water hydrates people, it also helps to keep a proper metabolism. Lack of water can cause people to have joint pain and other issues. Outside of drinking water, the fact that people can use it to bathe, wash their hair and brush their teeth makes it incredibly valuable.