ABSTRACT
The physical properties of water are described, and a physical model to explain these properties is provided in 41. Here, we consider the behaviour of water from a chemical point of view. As with physical properties, water is chemically unusual in a number of respects. Water is one of the few inorganic substances which is liquid at room temperature. However, there are three other aspects of the chemical properties which are striking:
Water is extremely good at attacking metallic and ionic solids and bringing them into solution.
Because of its ability to carry ionic substances in solution it is, in its impure state, very good at conducting electrical currents.
For reasons related to both of these points, water is very good at enhancing chemical reactions.
