Water: You Don't Know S&!T About It

Welcome to Episode 8 of Remedial Polymath, Water: You Don't Know S&!T About It

 

Would you believe that the most common liquid on Earth is still magical and mysterious, that scientists still argue about its many odd traits, and that those traits are central to life on Earth?

 

In this podcast episode, we delve into the fascinating properties of water, exploring its origins, molecular structure, and unique characteristics such as surface tension, density, and incompressibility. It may confuse you or instill wonder surrounding this substance you interact with each and every day.

 

The episode highlights the Mpemba effect, discovered by a Tanzanian high school student, where hot water freezes faster than cold water. We discuss water's role as a universal solvent, its unheard-of heat retention, and its impact on Earth's climate. The episode also examines scientific debates on water's behavior at lower temperatures and the two-phase model of liquid water, blending scientific insights with philosophical reflections on water's enigmatic nature.

 

To read the article for this episode (with images and sources) just head to Remedial Polymath's Water Episode

 

Chapters & Times of Interest:

 

Introduction/The Mysterious Beauty of Water (00:00:36) We introduce the episode, discussing the ordinary yet mysterious nature of water and the need to approach it with a beginner's mind.

 

The Mpemba Effect (00:02:49) The story of Erastus Mpemba, a Tanzanian high school student who observed the Mpemba effect, where hot water freezes faster than cold water.

 

Water's Origins (11:38)

Exploration of the origins of Earth's water, including the role of comets and asteroids in delivering water to the planet.

 

Molecular Structure of Water (00:17:53) An explanation of the covalent bonding and hydrogen bonds in water, and the unique shape and behavior of water molecules.

 

Surface Tension, Density, and Incompressibility (00:23:25) The impact of water's high surface tension, density, and incompressibility on various aspects of life, including its role in sustaining life and its practical applications.

 

Water as a Universal Solvent (00:25:55) Water's properties as a universal solvent and its crucial role in dissolving compounds for life and transportation.

 

Water's Impact on DNA (00:27:33) Water's influence on DNA's structure and the crucial role it plays in maintaining the geometry of DNA.

 

Water's Heat Retention and Climate Moderation (00:30:08) Water's ability to retain heat, its impact on climate moderation, and the role of oceanic currents in regulating temperature.

 

Water's Expansion when Freezing (00:35:18) The mystery of water's expansion when freezing, its implications for life on Earth, and the potential consequences if ice didn't float.

 

Supercooled Water and Crystallization (00:37:48) The unique behavior of supercooled water, its crystallization process, and the implications of water's unusual freezing properties.

 

Ice's Impact on Climate and Life (00:41:10) The potential effects of ice sinking instead of floating, including its impact on global climate, freshwater systems, and life evolution.

 

Water's Philosophical Significance (00:45:00) The philosophical implications of water's unique properties and its potential role in creating conditions for intelligent life.

 

The Debate on Water's Behavior (00:47:19) The disagreement among scientists about the reasons behind water's behavior, particularly its hydrogen bonding and structural organization.

 

The two-phase model of liquid water (00:51:16) Discussion of the two-phase model of liquid water, including the arrangement of