Water as a Solvent

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  • Created by: TxxWxrd1
  • Created on: 28-12-20 21:55

Polar Nature

Water is a POLAR molecule

Its chemical charge is UNEVEN

- The molecule is a V shape

- Two hydrogens are slightly positive

- One oxygen is slightly negative

Means the molecules form HYDROGEN BONDS

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Solvency

Water molecules are attracted to each other due to their POLARITY

This also mean other substances can be attracted to water

This makes water a solvent for POLAR MOLECULES and IONS

This is important in the transport of substances around the body

- Most exchange surfaces are lined with mucus

- Blood is mostly plasma

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Crystalline Structure

When hydrogen bonds freeze they form solid crystalline structures

Forcing water molecules apart making ice LESS DENSE than water

This is important becuase it means large ice masses can form on earth

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High Heat Capacity

The Specific Heat Capacity of water is: 4200J/kg°C

This means a lot of energy is required to change the temperature

Water heat/cools very slowly

- Making it a stable environment for animals

- Good for maintaining homeostasis

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