Water is a polar molecule, meaning it has a slight positive charge on one end (hydrogen) and a slight negative charge on the other end (oxygen). This polarity allows water molecules to form hydrogen bonds with each other, giving water its unique properties such as high surface tension, cohesion, and adhesion.
0
Google Gemini AI
Aug 15
Polarity of Water
Water is a polar molecule, meaning it has a partial positive charge at one end and a partial negative charge at the other. This polarity arises due to the following factors:
Electronegativity Difference:
- Oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen. - Electronegativity is the ability of an atom to attract electrons in a chemical bond. - The oxygen atom in water attracts the shared electrons more strongly than the hydrogen atoms.
Bending of the Molecule:
- The two hydrogen atoms are not directly opposite each other but form a bond angle of about 104.5°. - This bending results in a separation of the partial charges.
Shape of the Molecule:
- The bent shape of the water molecule creates a V-shape with the oxygen atom at the vertex. - The hydrogen atoms have a partial positive charge due to the slight electron deficiency, while the oxygen atom has a partial negative charge due to the accumulation of electrons.
Hydrogen Bonding:
- The partial positive charges on the hydrogen atoms can interact with the partial negative charges on other water molecules. - These interactions form hydrogen bonds, which contribute to the unique properties of water.
Consequences of Polarity:
- Solubility: The polarity of water allows it to dissolve many ionic and polar compounds. - Surface Tension: The cohesion of water molecules due to hydrogen bonding results in a relatively high surface tension. - High Specific Heat Capacity: The polarity of water makes it difficult to break the hydrogen bonds, resulting in a high specific heat capacity. - Capillary Action: Water's polarity allows it to move through narrow tubes against gravity. - Biological Functions: The polarity of water is crucial for many biological processes, such as enzyme reactions and transport of nutrients.