Making a Splash

How does water split?

In this week’s parsha, the sea splits to allow klal Yisrael to pass through. Water is made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atoms. It can be split back into hydrogen and oxygen by passing an electric current through it. In plants, photosynthesis splits water into oxygen and hydrogen, which is essential for producing the air that we breathe.

Because of the hydrogen atoms, water molecules strongly stick together. This allows them to travel against gravity in narrow spaces due to capillary action. This phenomenon is essential for plants, allowing water (and nutrients) to move from roots to leaves. Water also has a high surface tension, which allows small insects to walk on water without sinking.