Science explained

Why water has unusual properties

Water's molecular shape and hydrogen bonding help explain its high heat capacity, surface tension and unusual behaviour when freezing.

ChemistryWater

Editorial review: August 12, 2026 · Julian E. Marston

Water is polar

The molecule has an uneven distribution of electric charge.

Hydrogen bonds link neighbouring molecules

These attractions strongly affect liquid-water structure.

Water stores substantial thermal energy

Its relatively high specific heat moderates temperature changes.

Ice forms an open structure

The solid crystal occupies more volume than the same mass of liquid water near its freezing point.

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