Q:
What is the polarity of water?
A:
Quick Answer
Water is a polar molecule, and polarity occurs when the electrons in molecules are not spread evenly. This causes on end of the molecule to be negative, while the other is positive.
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Stanislaw Pytel
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Full Answer
A water molecule is formed by a combination of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. The hydrogen atom bonds to each oxygen atom with a pair of shared electrons. An oxygen atom also has two additional pairs of electrons. Overall, a water molecule has a neutral charge. However, because of the unequal arrangement of its electrons, the oxygen end is negative, and the hydrogen end is positive. Opposite charges are attracted to each other, so when there are lots of water molecules, they stick together.
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What accounts for the cohesive and adhesive properties of water?
A: According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the polarity of water, due to hydrogen bonding, is responsible for its cohesive and adhesive properties. The posit... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
How does water act as a solvent?
A: The small size and polarity of water molecules enable them to surround and dissolve solute species. Water molecules are partially negative on the oxygen en... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What are the bonds between adjacent water molecules?
A: The bonds between adjacent water molecules are called hydrogen bonds. The strength of a single hydrogen bond is only 5 percent that of a covalent bond; how... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What are the bonds that are broken when water vaporizes?
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