H2O question...

@cardizon (223)
Philippines
May 11, 2007 7:22am CST
water or H2O is liquid. yet both H2 and O are gases. what accounts for this?
3 responses
• India
11 May 07
Both hydrogen and oxygen are gases. When they bond together, a pair of electrons is shared between each hydrogen atom and the oxygen atom. This reduces the distance between the hydrogen atom and the oxygen atom thereby releasing energy (bonds are formed if the final product has lesser energy than the initial products). Thus, the kinetic energy of both the gases are lost and they come closer to each other. Thus, contraction occurs and as a result water turns out to be a liquid. If further doubts, do ask me..
@cardizon (223)
• Philippines
15 May 07
i can imagine it. thanks a lot guys!
• India
16 May 07
No problem. You are always welcome :)
1 person likes this
@stvasile (7306)
• Romania
11 May 07
The chemical bond between the H and O atoms in water is much stronger than the bond between O and H atoms inside the gas molecules. Because the attraction is mush higher, the molecules in water are closer, thus they appear in a liquid form.
1 person likes this
11 May 07
Thats a good question, i think that its the reaction of Hydrogen and Oxygen, when the particles meet they react to create the liquid either that or something to do with heat and condensation maybe
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