Changes

Although we are accustomed to think of the word "solvent" in connection with [[organic]] solvents like gasoline or benzene, water is a powerful solvent, a fact that is sometimes overlooked because water is so familiar.

Although we are accustomed to think of the word "solvent" in connection with [[organic]] solvents like gasoline or benzene, water is a powerful solvent, a fact that is sometimes overlooked because water is so familiar.

Water, compared to other compounds, has a number of unusual properties, such as expanding rather than contracting when it freezes. As noted by Lawrence Henderson in his 1913 book, ''The Fitness of the Environment,'' its ability to support life is directly related to some of these unusual properties.

Water, compared to other compounds, has a number of unusual properties, such as expanding rather than contracting when it freezes. As noted by Lawrence Henderson in his 1913 book, ''The Fitness of the Environment,'' its ability to support life is directly related to some of these unusual properties. The expansion when freezing causes ice to float, and also makes ice 'slippery', permitting activities like skating and skiing.

====Saltwater====

====Saltwater====