The Role of Chemistry in History

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PROPERTIES OF H2O| ORIGINS OF LIFE
HISTORY OF CIVILIZATION

• Tetrahedral electron-pair geometry gives it its polar, bent molecular geometry
• Oxygen atom partially negative and both of the hydrogen atoms partially positive
• Water molecules bond to each other through hydrogen bonding
• Water in its liquid state constantly forms and breaks hydrogen bonds which gives water its fluid nature

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Water is present in life, even in the driest locations.
Over half of this cactus’ composition is water.
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HOME | INTRO OF WATER
PROPERTIES OF H2O| ORIGINS OF LIFE
HISTORY OF CIVILIZATION

• Due to humans need for water, the first civilizations were started near rivers.
  – The Nile River : Egypt
  – The Tigris and Euphrates : Mesopotamia
  – The Huang He (Yellow River) : China

  

• The need to control water for humans needs led to many different innovations that made modern civilizations possible
  – Canals, aqueducts, dams and plumbing
• Humans also made advances in civilizations by harnessing waters power
  – Waterwheel and steam engine

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HOME | INTRO OF WATER
PROPERTIES OF H2O| ORIGINS OF LIFE
HISTORY OF CIVILIZATION

• Water is the most abundant molecule on Earth
  – 70% of Earth’s surface is water in liquid or solid state
  – Also found in the atmosphere as vapor
• Water is found in 75% of the body
• Even some of the driest plants on Earth are at least 50% water

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HOME | INTRO OF WATER
PROPERTIES OF H2O| ORIGINS OF LIFE
HISTORY OF CIVILIZATION

• Water is essential for the survival of all known forms of life
• Water is also needed to initiate life
  Primordial Soup Theory
  – Theory on the origins of life that believes that “multimers”, chains of amino acids smaller than polymers, were the catalysts of life.
  – These multimers formed through natural chemistry with monomer amino acids in a primordial lake or pond (most likely hot acidic water with some sulphur).
  – The abundance of iron in Earth’s early stages which combined with water and ultraviolet light from the sun, would release hydrogen from the water, making it possible for amino acids to form.
  – These amino acids chains formed the first RNA which acted as both the catalyst and genes, making the organisms to duplicate on their own.*For a short clip on the primordial soup click here.

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HOME | INTRO OF WATER
PROPERTIES OF H2O| ORIGINS OF LIFE
HISTORY OF CIVILIZATION

In this website you will learn about both the chemical composition and characteristics of water and also the role that water has played throughout history. The main aspects of history discussed will be waters essential role in the origins and sustenance of life as well . You will also learn about how water (and man’s need/desire to utilize it) led to the rise of civilizations. Also, look for in-text links that will help you learn about all of the wonders of water.

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