Properties of water

Question 1

Describe the structure of water

Answer 1

Polar molecule due to unevenly distributed electrical charge
Hydrogen is positive and oxygen is negative due to unshared electron an electron are concentrated at oxygen ends
Can form hydrogen bonds

Question 2

Describe solvent properties

Answer 2

Very cohesive as its dipolar - molecules that are the same attracted to each other
Ionic reactions - as water is dipolar the ions surround and dissolved it
Polar molecules also dissolve easily in water

Question 3

Describe thermal properties

Answer 3

Specific heat capacity is high as a lot of energy is needed to break hydrogen bonds
A large input of energy causes a small increase in temp so it cools and warms slowly
Useful for organisms - helping them to avoid rapid changes in internal temperatures and maintain temp when temp in surroundings vary
High BP