Answer:
Water can exist as a solid, a liquid, or a gas on Earth due to its unique physical and chemical properties, as well as the range of temperatures and pressures found on our planet.
Step-by-step explanation:
(water in liquid state): Water has a wide range of temperatures over which it remains in a liquid state under standard atmospheric pressure. At or near sea level, water remains liquid between 0°C (32°F) and 100°C (212°F). This temperature range is suitable for many life forms and makes water a crucial substance for life on Earth.
(water vapor): Water molecules are polar, with a positive and negative end, and they can form hydrogen bonds with each other. These hydrogen bonds give water its unique properties, including high surface tension, a relatively high heat capacity, and a high heat of vaporization, which make it resistant to temperature changes and allow it to absorb and release heat slowly.
(solid water (ice/snow)): When water is cooled below its freezing point (0°C or 32°F), the hydrogen bonds between water molecules form a crystalline structure in which the molecules are held in a regular, hexagonal pattern. This structure is less dense than liquid water, which is why ice floats on water.