H2O
Science & Engineering abbreviation · Chemistry
| Stands for | Water |
|---|---|
| Categories | Science & Engineering |
H2O stands for Water, a chemistry abbreviation.
Chemical formula of water: two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen at an angle of about 104.5 degrees. The bent, polar molecule forms hydrogen bonds, which give water its unusually high boiling point and surface tension, its power to dissolve salts, and make ice less dense than liquid water.
Example: In the balanced equation, two molecules of H2O form for every molecule of methane burned.
Usage notes
The formula is among the best-known pieces of chemistry and is used informally in marketing and slang for water. Heavy water, D2O, contains deuterium and moderates some nuclear reactors, such as Canada's CANDU designs. The joke chemical "dihydrogen monoxide" is simply water described in alarming language.
Related abbreviations
More chemistry abbreviations
- ETOH – Ethanol (alcohol)
- EVA – Ethylene-vinyl acetate
- FTIR – Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy
- GC – Gas chromatography
- GC-MS – Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
- GHS – Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of…
- H2O2 – Hydrogen peroxide
- H2SO4 – Sulfuric acid
- HCFC – Hydrochlorofluorocarbon
- HCl – Hydrochloric acid
- HDPE – High-density polyethylene
- HFC – Hydrofluorocarbon