Understanding:
• Hydrogen bonding and dipolarity explain the cohesive, adhesive, thermal and solvent properties of water
The dipolarity of a water molecule enables it to form polar associations with other charged molecules (polar or ionic)
Water can form hydrogen bonds with other water molecules (between a δ+ hydrogen and a δ– oxygen of two molecules)
Hydrogen Bonding between Water Molecules
Properties of Water
This intermolecular bonding between water molecules gives water distinct properties not seen in other substances:
- Thermal properties – Water can absorb much heat before changing state (requires breaking of hydrogen bonds)
- Cohesive / adhesive properties – Water will ‘stick’ to other water molecules (cohesion) and charged substances (adhesion)
- Solvent properties – Water dissolves polar and ionic substances (forms competing polar associations to draw materials apart)