Water

Key Notes :

1. Importance of Water

  • Water is essential for all living organisms as it supports life.
  • It is necessary for drinking, cooking, sanitation, and various industrial processes.
  • Water makes up about 60% of the human body.

2. Water Cycle

  • The water cycle describes how water moves on Earth.
  • It includes processes like evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and infiltration.
  • Evaporation occurs when the sun heats water bodies, turning liquid into vapor.
  • Condensation forms clouds as vapor cools and turns back into liquid.
  • Precipitation happens when clouds release water as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
  • Infiltration refers to water soaking into the soil, replenishing groundwater.

3. Sources of Water

  • Surface water: Rivers, lakes, and oceans.
  • Groundwater: Water stored beneath the Earth’s surface in aquifers.
  • Rainwater: Collected directly from precipitation.

4. Water Properties

  • Water is a universal solvent, meaning it can dissolve many substances.
  • It has a high heat capacity, which helps regulate temperatures.
  • It exists in all three states (solid, liquid, gas) depending on temperature.
  • Water is transparent, which allows sunlight to penetrate aquatic environments.

5. Water Usage

  • Water is used for domestic purposes: drinking, bathing, cleaning, etc.
  • It is crucial for agriculture, for irrigation and livestock care.
  • Industries use water for cooling, processing, and manufacturing.
  • Electricity generation: Water is used in hydropower plants to generate energy.

6. Water Conservation

  • Water conservation is vital due to increasing demand and limited freshwater resources.
  • Methods include reducing water wastage, reusing water, and using water-efficient technologies.
  • Education about water-saving practices helps reduce water consumption.

7. Water Pollution

  • Water pollution occurs when harmful substances contaminate water bodies.
  • Common pollutants include chemicals, waste, plastic, and sewage.
  • Polluted water can lead to health issues and environmental damage.

8. Water Treatment

  • Water treatment processes remove impurities from water, making it safe for consumption.
  • It typically includes filtration, sedimentation, disinfection, and distillation.

9. Water and the Environment

  • Healthy water ecosystems support biodiversity and provide habitat for aquatic life.
  • Wetlands, rivers, and oceans are essential for maintaining the ecological balance.

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