Water Structure Lecture Notes

Introduction to Water Structure

• Water is essential for life, serving as a medium for various biological processes.
• Molecular formula: H₂O, consisting of two hydrogen atoms covalently bonded to one oxygen atom.

Polarity of Water

• Polarity: Unequal sharing of electrons between oxygen and hydrogen atoms leading to a polar molecule.
  • Oxygen: Higher electronegativity, attracts electrons more strongly, slightly negative charge.
  • Hydrogen: Weaker attraction to electrons, slightly positive charge.
• This polarity enables water to interact with other polar molecules or charged ions through weak associations.

Properties of Water

• Hydrogen Bonds: Formed due to the attraction between slightly positive and negative poles of water and other molecules.
• Cohesive Properties: Water molecules stick together due to hydrogen bonding, contributing to surface tension.
• Solvent Properties: Ability to dissolve substances with polar molecules or ions, making it a versatile solvent.
• Physical Properties: High specific heat capacity, high heat of vaporization, and density anomalies (ice is less dense than liquid water).

Importance of Water

• Acts as a universal solvent, crucial for biochemical reactions.
• Provides a stable environment due to its temperature buffering capacity.

Visuals

• Diagrams illustrating the polarity and structure of water molecules.

Additional Resources

• Explore more on BioNinja for detailed explanations and visual aids.