Water Flashcards
How is water a polar molecule?
When the hydrogen atoms and oxygen atoms bond, there is a slight negative charge around the oxygen atom due to uneven sharing of electrons(delta negative). Hydrogen atoms have a slight positive charge due to the same reason(delta positive).
What does water being a polar molecule allow for?
It allows water molecules to be attracted to eachother and form hydrogen bonds. This produces surface tension, and enables water to travel up xylem vessels in an unbroken column.
Why are electron shells distorted in the atoms bonded together in water molecules?
The strong forces of attraction bend the shells in towards the other atoms
Water has a very high specific heat capacity, what does this mean?
Heat is lost from a surface when water evaporates from it, which acts to cool the body during sweating.
