Biology 1: Chemical Constituents of Cells

Front

What is the structure of a water molecule?

Back

Water (H2O) consists of two hydrogen atoms covalently bonded to one oxygen atom.

Front

What shape does a water molecule have?

Back

A water molecule has a bent shape ('V' shape), arranged at an angle of about 104.5°.

Front

Why is water considered a polar molecule?

Back

Water is a polar molecule because the oxygen end is partially negative, and the hydrogen end is partially positive due to the unequal sharing of electrons.

Front

What is hydrogen bonding in water?

Back

Hydrogen bonding occurs when the positive end of one water molecule is attracted to the negative end of another water molecule.

Front

How many hydrogen bonds can a water molecule form?

Back

A water molecule can form 4 hydrogen bonds with other water molecules.

Front

What property of water allows it to be a universal solvent?

Back

The dipolar nature of water molecules makes it a good solvent for dissolving ions and other polar molecules.

Front

What happens when sodium chloride (NaCl) is added to water?

Back

Water molecules gather around the ions, with negative ends of oxygen attracted to sodium ions (Na+) and positive ends of hydrogen attracted to chloride ions (Cl-).

Front

What is cohesion in water?

Back

Cohesion is the tendency of water molecules to stick together, creating a 'skin' at the surface due to hydrogen bonding.

Front

What is the significance of water's high specific heat capacity?

Back

Water's high specific heat capacity allows it to absorb heat energy, stabilizing temperature changes in the environment.

Front

What is latent heat of vaporization?

Back

Latent heat of vaporization is the amount of heat needed to convert water from liquid into vapor.