1.1: Structure of Water and Hydrogen Bonding

Why are electrons in the covalent bonds of water shared unequally?

oxygen is more electronegative

What is polarity?

when there are differences in atoms electronegativities

What are hydrogen bonds?

a weak bond interaction between the negative & positive regions of two separate molecules

What is cohesion?

when two of the same molecules form hydrogen bonds with each other

What is adehesion?

when two different molecules form hydrogen bonds with each other

Why is it important to life that water has a high surface tension?

leaves of aquatic plants can rest on the surface of water and have more access to sunlight

Why is it important to life that water has a high solvency?

dissolved materials in water allow cells easy access to nutrients

Why is it important to life that ice floats?

aquatic organisms can live in water in freezing climates because water freezes on the surface

Why is it important to life that water has a high heat capacity?

it helps aquatic animals maintain/regulate body temperature

Why is it important to life that water has capillary action?

plants access water in soil in this way