Why is Water Wet?

[CynthiaCypher]

Oh please, don't tell me you guys never asked that question.

So my science otaku frienemies, I am curious. So tell me, why is water wet?

 

[Revoltingest]

Polar molecules?

 

[Willamena]

I believe it's the epitome of coincidence.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

This is more about understanding what the word "why" means, than it does with anything about chemistry.

 

[brokensymmetry]

By definition 'wet' means being covered by or saturated with water or another liquid. So are you asking why water is a liquid at room temperature?

 

[Father Heathen]

Oh please, don't tell me you guys never asked that question.

So my science otaku frienemies, I am curious. So tell me, why is water wet?

Surface tension.

 

[Sunstone]

There's more than one answer to your question, depending on how you look at it.

For instance, looked at psychologically, water is wet because that's how our brain is wired to interpret its interaction with our senses -- it's like asking why does concrete feel hard, or why does the sky appear blue?

Another way of looking at the same question involves water's molecular bonds. Water is wet because it bonds to lots of things -- including the molecules in skin, once the surface tension is broken.

Offhand, those are the only two ways I can think of to respond to your question. A psychologist or chemist would know more.

 

[Sunstone]

This is more about understanding what the word "why" means, than it does with anything about chemistry.

Yup....

 

[brokensymmetry]

Surface tension.

What does surface tension have to do with it? If I put detergent in water, making the surface tension much less, does it become less wet?

 

[seeking4truth]

Aren't all liquids wet? Isn't 'wet' part of the description/definition of a liquid?

 

[CynthiaCypher]

This is more about understanding what the word "why" means, than it does with anything about chemistry.

Why did you have to give it away? Now they are not going to even try to answer the OP, they are going to think I am trying to trick them.

 

[Sunstone]

Aren't all liquids wet? Isn't 'wet' part of the description/definition of a liquid?

Not all liquids are wet. Mercury, at room temperatures, is a liquid, but its molecular bonds are such that we do not feel it as being wet.

 

[Sunstone]

What does surface tension have to do with it? If I put detergent in water, making the surface tension much less, does it become less wet?

No, if you break the surface tension of water, it becomes, in effect, wetter.

 

[seeking4truth]

Is there anything else that can be found in it's three states naturally on Earth?

 

[Revoltingest]

Why are wet T-shirts superior to wet willies?

 

[seeking4truth]

T comes before W

 

[Amechania]

Why does a Texas company make tonic water called Canada Dry?

 

[brokensymmetry]

No, if you break the surface tension of water, it becomes, in effect, wetter.

Yes. That's why it cleans better also, it's 'wetter'.

 

[Iti oj]

Is there anything else that can be found in it's three states naturally on Earth?

Carbon?

 

[CynthiaCypher]

I am not asking how is water wet, I am asking why is water wet. You guys keep giving me the hows.