BRAINCAKEWater
A water molecule, H2O, has two hydrogen atoms joined to one oxygen atom by covalent bonds. The molecule is bent, with an angle of about 104.5° between the bonds.
Oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen, so the shared electrons are pulled towards it. The oxygen end becomes slightly negative (δ−) and the hydrogen ends slightly positive (δ+). Water is therefore a polar molecule (a dipole).
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More in Chemistry for Life
- Ionic Bonding
- Covalent Bonding
- Important Anions
- Important Cations
- Water as a Polar Solvent
- Water as a Transport Medium
- Water as a Habitat
- Water in Plant Transport Systems
All 10 lessons in Chemistry for Life · All Edexcel AS-level Biology topics