Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

3. Water

Properties of Water- The Universal Solvent

General Biology

3. Water

Properties of Water- The Universal Solvent

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Multiple Choice

How does the polarity of water contribute to its ability to dissolve so many substances?

Water's polarity allows it to form covalent bonds with many substances.

Natural water has a pH of approximately 5.6, which is slightly acidic. Acids can dissolve more substances than bases can.

Because it is polar, water forms ionic bonds with the ions in substances such as NaCl (salt).

Because it is polar, water's negatively charged oxygen atoms and positively charged hydrogen atoms are attracted to positively and negatively charged ions and molecules.

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of polarity: Water is a polar molecule, meaning it has a partial positive charge on one side (hydrogen atoms) and a partial negative charge on the other side (oxygen atom). This is due to the difference in electronegativity between hydrogen and oxygen.

Recognize how polarity affects interactions: The polarity of water allows it to interact with other charged particles. The positive side of water molecules (hydrogen) is attracted to negatively charged ions or molecules, while the negative side (oxygen) is attracted to positively charged ions or molecules.

Explore the process of dissolution: When a substance like NaCl (salt) is added to water, the polar water molecules surround the individual Na⁺ and Cl⁻ ions. The negative oxygen ends of water molecules are attracted to Na⁺ ions, and the positive hydrogen ends are attracted to Cl⁻ ions.

Consider the role of hydrogen bonding: Water's ability to dissolve substances is also enhanced by hydrogen bonding, where the hydrogen atoms of one water molecule are attracted to the oxygen atoms of another, creating a network that can surround and separate solute particles.

Summarize the effect of water's polarity: The combination of water's polarity and its ability to form hydrogen bonds makes it an excellent solvent, capable of dissolving a wide range of ionic and polar substances by surrounding and interacting with their charged components.