Question

Water molecules are polar covalent molecules. There is a partial negative charge near the oxygen atom and partial positive charges near the hydrogen atoms due to the uneven distribution of electrons between the atoms, which results in the formation of hydrogen bonds between water molecules. The polarity of water molecules contributes to many properties of water that are important for biological pro

Answer 1

Water's molecular polarity results from polar covalent bonds between oxygen (partial negative charge) and hydrogen (partial positive charge) atoms. This leads to the formation of hydrogen bonds, which give water its distinctive properties and make it essential for life.

Step-by-step explanation:

Water molecules exhibit polar covalent bonds, which means the atoms share electrons, but not evenly. The oxygen atom is more electronegative than hydrogen, causing a partial negative charge around the oxygen and a partial positive charge around the hydrogen atoms. This uneven charge distribution allows for the creation of hydrogen bonds between water molecules, and these bonds are crucial to many of water’s unique properties, including its solvent capabilities and its role in biological systems.

Because of its polarity, water can attract and dissolve other polar molecules, making it a powerful solvent for substances that are hydrophilic. However, nonpolar molecules such as oils are hydrophobic and do not dissolve in water due to their lack of ability to form hydrogen bonds with water. The versatile interactions of water due to its polar nature are fundamental to countless chemical reactions within living organisms.