Learning Objectives A) Describe and explain the roles of water in living organisms, and as an environment for organisms.

Structure of the water molecule 2 hydrogen atoms + 1 oxygen atom Covalent bonds are formed (single electron of each H atom is shared with electron in the outer shell of the O atom, thereby forming a shared pair) *idea of shared pair versus lone pair Water molecule looks bent as the O atom contains 2 lone pairs which are very negative, causing repulsive forces to push H atoms closer

Properties of the water molecule The water molecule is POLAR, therefore DIPOLE. Difference in electronegativity, where oxygen has a higher electronegativity, causes electrons in the covalent bonds between O and H atoms to be pulled slightly toward the O atom (Slight negative charge at O atom end) H atoms are slightly electron-deficient/positive (Slight positive charge at H atoms end)

Significance of the POLARIZATION of water Due to the slightly positive and negative ends, water can interact with itself and form a highly organised inter-molecular network Hydrogen bonding: +ve H end interact with ve lone pair of another water molecule, thus each water molecule can form 4 hydrogen bonds *note that hydrogen bonds are inter-molecular (ie. between water molecules) At 0oC, water molecules are arranged in a regular hexagonal crystalline network As temperature increases, weak H bonds are constantly breaking and rapidly forming again

1. Thermal properties a. High specific heat capacity - Definition of specific heat capacity of water b. High heat of vapourisation Definition of latent heat of vapourisation c. High heat of fusion Definition of latent heat of fusion

2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Density Viscosity Cohesion and surface tension Adhesion and Capillarity Colourless nature/transparency Solvent properties Reactivity of water