A water molecule consists of two hydrogen atoms covalently bonded to one oxygen atom, forming a bent molecular geometry due to the lone pairs on the oxygen. This unique structure results in hydrogen bonding, making water a universal solvent with high surface tension and specific heat capacity.

Water Molecule

water molecule

hydrogen atoms

oxygen atom

bent molecular geometry

Lone pairs are pairs of valence electrons that are not involved in chemical bonding and are located on an atom. They play a crucial role in determining the shape, reactivity, and properties of molecules by influencing bond angles and participating in non-covalent interactions.

lone pairs

Hydrogen bonding is a type of weak chemical bond that occurs when a hydrogen atom, covalently bonded to a highly electronegative atom like nitrogen, oxygen, or fluorine, experiences an attractive force with another electronegative atom. This interaction is crucial in determining the structure and properties of water, proteins, and DNA, influencing boiling points, solubility, and molecular conformation.

hydrogen bonding

universal solvent

high surface tension

Specific heat capacity is the amount of heat required to change the temperature of a unit mass of a substance by one degree Celsius. It is a material-specific property that influences how substances respond to heat energy, playing a crucial role in thermal management and engineering applications.

Relevant Degrees

Your Lessons