Topic 1 Pack 4- Biology

Why is water a dipolar molecule?

it contains delta positive hydrogen atoms and delta negative oxygen atoms. The charges are unevenly distributed.

Describe the properties of water

• Good solvent capable of dissolving ions and polar molecules

• High latent heat of vaporisation, so liquid at room temperature. Allows mass flow.

• High specific heat capacity

Define Specific Heat Capacity

The amount of energy required to raise the temperature of 1 centimetre cubed of a substance by 1 degree celsius

Define Solvent

The substance in which a solute dissolves

Define Hydrophobic

Repelled by water (non-polar molecules cannot dissolve in water)

Define Hydrophilic

Attracted to water molecules (polar molecules can dissolve in water)