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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1:31 minutes

Problem 14

Textbook Question

What do you think the effect on the properties of water would be if oxygen and hydrogen had equal electronegativity?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of electronegativity: Electronegativity is a measure of the tendency of an atom to attract a bonding pair of electrons. In water (H2O), oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen, which creates a polar molecule.

Recognize the current structure of water: In a water molecule, the oxygen atom attracts the shared electrons more strongly than the hydrogen atoms, leading to a partial negative charge on the oxygen and a partial positive charge on the hydrogens.

Consider the hypothetical scenario: If oxygen and hydrogen had equal electronegativity, the electrons in the water molecule would be shared equally between the oxygen and hydrogen atoms.

Analyze the implications of equal sharing: Equal sharing of electrons would result in a nonpolar water molecule, as there would be no separation of charge within the molecule.

Predict the changes in properties: The lack of polarity would likely alter many of water's properties such as its solvent capabilities, surface tension, boiling and freezing points, and its role in biological systems.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Electronegativity

Electronegativity is a measure of an atom's ability to attract and hold onto electrons in a chemical bond. In water (H2O), oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen, leading to a polar covalent bond. This polarity is crucial for the unique properties of water, such as its high surface tension and solvent capabilities.

Polarity of Water

The polarity of water arises from the difference in electronegativity between oxygen and hydrogen, resulting in a partial negative charge on the oxygen atom and partial positive charges on the hydrogen atoms. This polarity allows water molecules to form hydrogen bonds with each other, contributing to its high boiling point, specific heat, and solvent properties, which are essential for life.

Hydrogen Bonding

Hydrogen bonding occurs when the positively charged hydrogen atoms of one water molecule are attracted to the negatively charged oxygen atoms of neighboring water molecules. This interaction is responsible for many of water's unique properties, including its cohesion, adhesion, and ability to dissolve various substances, which are vital for biological processes.

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Related Practice

Textbook Question

Which of the following is a hydrophobic material?

a. Paper

b. Table salt

c. Wax

d. Sugar

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Textbook Question

Create a concept map to organize your understanding of the life-supporting properties of water. A sample map is in the answer section, but the value of this exercise is in the thinking and integrating you must do to create your own map.

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Textbook Question

Draw the hydration shells that form around a potassium ion and a chloride ion when potassium chloride (KCl) dissolves in water. Label the positive, negative, and partial charges on the atoms.

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Textbook Question

Most of the unique properties of water result from the fact that water molecules

a. Are the most abundant molecules on Earth's surface.

b. Are held together by covalent bonds.

c. Are constantly in motion.

d. Are polar and form hydrogen bonds.

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Multiple Choice

Where is the majority of Earth's water found?