Properties of Water and Hydrogen Bonding

Flashcards covering the chemical structure of water, polarity, and the nature of hydrogen bonding based on lecture notes.

What is the definition of polarity according to the text?

Polarity is an uneven charge distribution within a molecule.

In a water molecule, which atom is slightly negative and which is slightly positive?

The oxygen atom is slightly negative ($\text{S-}$ partial negative) and the hydrogen atom is slightly positive ($\text{S+}$ partial positive).

According to Fig 2.1, what is the bond angle within a water molecule?

$$104.5^{\circ}$$

What are hydrogen bonds in the context of water molecules?

Weak attractions between the slightly polar hydrogen atom of one water molecule and the slightly polar oxygen atom of an adjacent water molecule.

What is the primary function of hydrogen bonds in water?

They play a major role in maintaining all the properties of water.

How do hydrogen bonds behave when water is in liquid form?

The bonds are very fragile; they form, break, and reform with great frequency.