Even if you are not even remotely interested in chemistry, you know the chemical formula of water, H2O. So water; It consists of 1 oxygen and 2 hydrogen atoms. It is perhaps one of the simplest chemical formulas in the world. Well, if the formula of water is so simple, why don’t we combine 1 oxygen and 2 hydrogen atoms in a laboratory environment to obtain water and expect the consumable water resources in the world to disappear?
Unfortunately, just knowing the ingredients for the recipe and mixing them in a bowl is not enough to create a chemical reaction, like making a cake. Even if the oxygen and hydrogen atoms in question are combined correctly, a big explosion will result. We end up with water, but trying to make such an explosion in a controlled way will be expensive because of its lining.
How was water formed?
Before asking the question why we don’t produce water, we need to know how water is formed. About 80% of the world is water, but 97% of it is salt water and only 3% is a source of drinkable, usable clean water. Our Earth is not the only space object covered in water. When we take a glance at the universe, it is even possible to see celestial bodies composed of almost only water.
The formation of water took place after the Big Bang. Among the atoms scattered after the explosion were oxygen and hydrogen. These atoms, which formed a star, were under an intense pressure of dust and gas. When the effect of particles in the environment is added to this pressure, the expected reaction took place.
When these atoms, which are under the influence of dust and gas pressure, encountered gas particles in the surrounding, they were compressed and the gas was heated. With the effect of heat, the bonding process between atoms accelerated and water vapor appeared. As the water vapor cooled, it first became water and then ice. Therefore, there is a large amount of water and ice in space.
How do hydrogen and oxygen atoms combine to become water?
When we see a place that is on fire, the first thing we do is pour water on it, because water is an extinguisher. The hydrogen that makes up the extinguishing water is flammable, and the oxygen supports the combustion. In other words, these two atoms are not very useful elements before they enter into a chemical reaction.
Hydrogen atoms have a single electron, while oxygen atoms have 6 electrons. Oxygen electrons form a strong shell and only two electrons are ready to combine. Yes, repulsive electrons of the same poles combine to form water. Heat is required for the electrons of 1 oxygen and 2 hydrogen atoms to combine to form water.
Under normal conditions, electrons repel each other. It is strong heat that combines the electrons of oxygen and hydrogen atoms to form water. As with the initial formation process, pressure can provide this heat. Pressure is the most effective method of heat required because force is required. Atoms rubbing with the effect of pressure can combine and form water by creating their own heat.
Is it possible to produce water?
We said space, big bang, atom, electron, pressure, hydrogen, oxygen; It may be a little confused, but yes, it is possible to produce water. If we take 1 oxygen and 2 hydrogen atoms in a laboratory environment, apply pressure, heat them up, and combine the electrons of these atoms, we can obtain water.
When we evaluate this simple recipe, it is quite easy to produce water. Because the oxygen and hydrogen atoms necessary to produce water are naturally present. It’s as easy as making pottery. Some earth, some water; Shape and heat, get you pot. Well, if it’s that easy, why don’t we produce water?
Why don’t we produce water?
We encounter an example in history where hydrogen and oxygen atoms were combined not by natural means, but by human hands. This example is actually a disaster. In 1937, the world’s largest airship, the LZ 129 Hindenburg, was built. To maximize the flying prowess of this large airship, the balloon was filled to the brim with hydrogen gas.
When the dates showed May 6, 1937, LZ 129 would take off from Lakehurst naval airbase in Hindenburg, New Jersey. However, one of the hydrogen tanks exploded and this combustible atom quickly caught fire. Then the oxygen in the air came into play. As a result, the world’s largest airship, along with dozens of other people, burned down in 36 seconds. Of course, there was also a certain amount of water.
That’s why we don’t produce water. Very dangerous. It is very difficult to control the disaster that will occur with the combination of two atoms that are combustible and that support combustion. Even if we control it, the price to be spent will not be worth the water obtained. Although theoretically possible, in practice it is impossible to produce enough water for the entire world.
What are alternative water production methods?
We have said that only 2% of the water in the world is drinkable, that is, fresh water. Unfortunately, some of this fresh water is also polluted. Instead of playing with atoms at home, plants can be built to purify water on a large scale. It is possible to purify the city water as well as the water we use at home.
97% of the world’s water is salt water, meaning it is undrinkable. We can desalinate seawater. All of the water used in Kuwait today is purified seawater. After purifying the salt and minerals found in sea water, a clean and drinkable water will emerge. Treated salt and minerals can be used for different purposes.
We call it very humid, not hot, but that humidity is water. So there is water in the air. So, is it not possible to obtain water from the air? Of course its possible. We can even empty a whole cloud and fill a huge dam. However, such a large-scale system currently does not exist. Still, it will certainly be much easier than combining oxygen and hydrogen atoms.
We answered the question why we don’t produce water and talked about alternative water production methods. If all these methods seem complicated, try staying in the shower less, turning off the water while brushing teeth, and washing the dishes in the machine instead of by hand. Be sure, even a small water saving will be effective.
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