Water Flashcards
What do Water molecules consist of?
2 hydrogen atoms and 1 Oxygen atom covalently bonded
What does dipolar mean?
There is a delta positive charge at one side of the molecule and a delta negative charge at the other
Why are water molecules dipolar?
Because the electrons are drawn towards the oxygen making it delta negatively charged, and the lack of electrons makes the hydrogen side delta positive
What does water molecules being dipolar create?
Hydrogen bonds
What are hydrogen bonds?
Weak forces of attraction between water molecules due to the delta charges, as the delta charged hydrogens are attracted to delta charged oxygen’s
What does it mean when water is described as a universal solvent?
It means lots of substances dissolve in it
Why is water a universal solvent?
Due the water molecules being dipolar
What happens when a salt is placed into water?
It dissociates, the positive ions are attracted to the delta negative part of the water molecule (oxygen), and the negative ions are attracted to the delta positive part of the water molecule (the hydrogens).
Why’s water being a universal solvent useful?
Allows chemical reactions to take place in the body
What’s a solute?
Anything which dissolves in a solution
What’s cohesion in water molecules?
The hydrogen bonds cause them to stick together
What’s adhesion in water molecules?
They can stick to polar opposite objects
Why is adhesion useful in water molecules?
Allows the transport of nutrients and waste in xylem vessels
What is surface tension?
Water molecules near surface are closer to each other than the air above, so they withstand the escaping forces, so the water is pulled back into the body of water
Benefit of surface tension?
Pond skaters can move around
