Chapter 7, Problem 11STP

Summary Introduction

To determine:

The polarity of water molecules makes water a good solvent.

Introduction:

Water is a crucial factor. It is directly involved in many biological and chemical reactions. Water broadly governs all life forms and affects its sustainability.

Explanation of Solution

The main role of water is supporting life due to its molecular structure along with special properties.

Water molecules is made up of two small positively charged hydrogen atom and one large negatively charged oxygen atom. The unequal charge distribution in a water molecule reflects the binding property of water.Due to its polarity, water forms electrostatic interactions with other polar molecules and ions. The polar molecules and ions interact with the partially positive and partially negative ends of water. This allows it to disrupt the structure and configuration of many other molecules.

The ability to disrupt molecular structures makes water a valuable tool for organism at the cellular level. The polarity of water allows it to carry many molecule into and out of cells. Due to its polar molecules’ partial negative and positive charges, water readily dissolves ions and polar molecules.Due to the capacity of dissolving other polar molecules and other ionic compounds, water is referred to as a good solvent.

Water is capable of dissolving a number of different substances and it also dissolves more substances than any other liquid makes it a good solvent.

Conclusion

The polar nature of the water molecules forms hydrogen bonds with ions and polar molecules allow the ions and compounds to disperse easily in water, which makes it a good solvent.