One Drop of Water

One drop is all that it takes. Our perspective on the critical value of water can change with insight into what one drop contains. Each molecule is designed in a way that accomplishes astounding things. Let’s have a peek.

In a university chemistry class it was explained that the two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom that make up the water molecule combine in a way that is crucial to our survival. The two hydrogen atoms attach to the oxygen at a 104.5 degree angle. “So what,” you may say. This configuration mandates several results because of the resulting polarity. Almost all other liquids contract when they freeze. Water will expand. This has been evident every time water freezes in a bottle, or in a hose, or in a car radiator, and breaks it. “That is not crucial to our survival,” you may reply. Right, but this expansion also makes ice lighter than liquid water. That is why ice floats. Think of what would happen if water conctracted when it froze into ice. It would be heavier than water (a greater specific gravity) and sink. The bottom of lakes, ponds and rivers would end up with layers of ice and kill the animals and plants in it. The sun’s rays would have difficulty melting it and soon the whole ecosystem would be devastatingly affected.

Another result of this configuration is that it produces capillary action. This is the power of water to actually climb up the capillary tubes of a tree all the way to the top leaves. Without this trees and plants would die. They don’t have a pump. Every day many tons of water bring nutrients to the tops of the trees by this action. Evaporation through the leaves adds to needed humidity in the air.

We take the solvent capacity of water for granted. How is it that the most abundant fluid on earth is also the best solvent. It can dissolve and use a myriad of substances. We rely on that every time we wash something, make coffee, dissolve a powder or a multitude of other actions. Add to this the capacity of water to exist as solid, liquid or gas. This allows for the water cycle that depends on evaporation, condensation and precipitation to continuously cleanse and distribute water over the face of the earth. It keeps the rivers flowing and plant life watered.

Because of the polarity of the water molecule the cohesion between water molecules is greater than their adhesion to the air. This creates something like an elastic film on the water called surface tension. That’s why water striders and some other insects can walk on water. If carefully handled you might even succeed in making a paper clip float.

All of this did not happen by chance as the theory of evolution claims. It was designed by a very intelligent and very caring Supreme Being to meet our needs. One drop of water is enough to convince me.

We are truly on the sunny side of things,
Henry Wiebe