Here's a breakdown:
Salt Water:
* High salt concentration: Contains a significant amount of dissolved salts, primarily sodium chloride (NaCl), which gives it its salty taste.
* Found in oceans and seas: Makes up about 96.5% of the Earth's water.
* Higher density: Due to the dissolved salts, saltwater is denser than freshwater.
* Higher boiling point: The dissolved salts raise the boiling point of saltwater.
* Not suitable for drinking: The high salt concentration makes it unsuitable for human consumption.
Fresh Water:
* Low salt concentration: Contains very little dissolved salts, making it taste fresh.
* Found in rivers, lakes, and groundwater: Makes up only about 2.5% of the Earth's water.
* Lower density: Less dense than saltwater.
* Lower boiling point: The lack of dissolved salts results in a lower boiling point.
* Suitable for drinking: The low salt concentration makes it suitable for human consumption.
Other Key Differences:
* Source: Saltwater originates from oceans and seas, while freshwater comes from rivers, lakes, and groundwater.
* pH: Freshwater typically has a neutral pH (around 7), while saltwater is slightly alkaline (around 8).
* Turbidity: Freshwater can vary in turbidity (cloudiness) depending on the source, while saltwater is generally clearer.
In summary, the main difference lies in the salt content, which affects various physical and chemical properties. This difference makes saltwater unsuitable for drinking but essential for marine life, while freshwater is crucial for human consumption and many other uses.