Water is the most common substance on the planet yet it has some very unsual characteristics. Pure water is odourless and tasteless.
Solar Water Heater
In most homes the geyser is the appliance that uses the most electricity. Geysers use electricity all day to keep the water in the tank constant. This requires much electricity, resulting in much coal being fired with air pollution as a result.
Virtual Water
We all know how important it is to turn off the tap while we are brushing our teeth and that the average shower uses much less water than the bath.
Desalination
Changing salty water to fresh water. Called the ‘blue planet’ or the ‘water planet’ the Earth’s surface is 70% covered with water. Unfortunately, a very tiny percentage of the water is fit to drink.
Rusting
Rusting occurs when iron reacts with oxygen in the presence of water. This is a form of corrosion that results in a red-brown compound called iron oxide (Fe2O3) forming.
Water Molecules
Water is a compound composed of two elements, Hydrogen and Oxygen. Each water molecule consists of two Hydrogen atoms joined chemically with an Oxygen molecule. We write the formula for water as H2O.
Acid Rain
Water droplets in the atmosphere react with carbon dioxide gas to form an acid called carbonic acid.
Water in the Body
We all need water to live. Humans can survive a month without food, but only a week without water. Why is water so healthy for us?
Hydro-Electricity
Most of South Africa’s electricity is generated by burning coal. This heats water which creates steam. The steam is released onto the blades of a very large turbine