1.7 Water Flashcards
Is water polar or non-polar?
polar
Why is water a polar molecule?
Oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen, meaning that O is slightly negative and H is slightly positive. This results in an uneven distribution of charge within the molecule.
What properties of water are important in the cytoplasm, and why?
Water molecules are polar, which allows water to act as a universal solvent. Water is also reactive, making it useful in hydrolysis and condensation reactions.
Is a single hydrogen bond weak?
yes!
Are many hydrogen bonds strong?
Yes
Why are many hydrogen bonds strong?
The forces of attraction require a lot of (heat) energy to overcome.
Is water a metabolite?
Yes
Why is it important that water is a metabolite?
It is used in many reactions, including condensation and hydrolysis.
Where is the hydrogen bond found in water?
Between the lone pair of electrons on the oxygen atom and the hydrogen atom from another water molecule.
Is water a polar solvent?
Yes
Why is it important that water is a solvent?
Metabolic reactions can occur and it allows the transport of substances.
Does water have a high specific heat capacity?
Yes
Why is it important that water has a high specific heat capacity?
It acts as a buffer against temperature fluctuations.
Does water have a large latent heat of vaporization?
Yes
Why is it important that water has a large latent heat of vaporization?
It provides a cooling effect through evaporation
Is water cohesive?
Yes
Why is it important that water is cohesive?
It supports columns of water.
State and explain the property of water that can help to buffer changes in temperature. (2)
high specific heat capacity
- can gain/lose a lot of heat without changing temperature
Explain five properties that make water important for organisms. (5)
- A metabolite in condensation and hydrolysis reactions
- A solvent so metabolic reactions can occur
- High heat capacity so buffers changes in temperature
- Large latent heat of vaporisation so provides a cooling effect
- Cohesion (between water molecules) so supports columns of water in plants
