1. Water in all its forms

1.1 Features

Synonymous with biological life, water is a small, simple "Mickey Mouse" molecule made up of two hydrogen atoms linked to one oxygen atom. It is essential to the life that appeared on Earth three billion years ago. It can exist in three forms: liquid, solid (ice) and vapor. This molecule has astonishing properties: of all products, water has one of the highest surface tensions, enabling it to wet and penetrate everywhere. It is also characterized by a high specific heat, and one of the highest heats of vaporization: it can therefore store large quantities...