Water

Definition

Water is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless liquid that is essential for life on Earth. It is the most abundant compound on the planet and plays a vital role in various chemical and biological processes, including the topics of Early Ideas in Atomic Theory, Formula Mass and the Mole Concept, Structure and General Properties of the Nonmetals, and Occurrence, Preparation, and Compounds of Hydrogen.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Water is the most abundant compound on Earth, covering approximately 71% of the planet's surface.
2. The chemical formula for water is H$_{2}$O, consisting of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.
3. Water is a polar molecule due to the unequal sharing of electrons between the hydrogen and oxygen atoms, which gives it unique properties.
4. Hydrogen bonding is a key feature of water, contributing to its high boiling point, surface tension, and ability to dissolve many substances.
5. Water is essential for many chemical and biological processes, including photosynthesis, cellular respiration, and the transport of nutrients and waste in living organisms.

Review Questions

• Explain how the polarity of water molecules contributes to its role in Early Ideas in Atomic Theory.
  • The polarity of water molecules, with the oxygen atom having a partial negative charge and the hydrogen atoms having a partial positive charge, was an important concept in the development of early atomic theory. The ability of water to form hydrogen bonds and dissolve various substances helped scientists understand the nature of intermolecular forces and the behavior of atoms and molecules. Additionally, the unique properties of water, such as its high boiling point and ability to act as a solvent, provided valuable insights into the structure and behavior of matter at the atomic scale.
• Describe how the molar mass of water is used in the Mole Concept to determine the number of water molecules in a given sample.
  • The molar mass of water, which is approximately 18.02 g/mol, is a crucial factor in the Mole Concept. The mole is a unit that represents the number of particles (atoms, molecules, or ions) in a substance, and it is used to quantify the amount of a substance. By knowing the molar mass of water, one can calculate the number of water molecules in a given mass of the substance using the formula: number of moles = mass / molar mass. This relationship between the mass of water, its molar mass, and the number of water molecules is an essential tool in understanding and working with the Mole Concept.
• Analyze the role of water in the Structure and General Properties of the Nonmetals, as well as its Occurrence, Preparation, and Compounds of Hydrogen.
  • Water is a crucial compound in the context of the Structure and General Properties of the Nonmetals, as well as its Occurrence, Preparation, and Compounds of Hydrogen. As a nonmetal, the oxygen atom in water forms covalent bonds with hydrogen atoms, resulting in the unique polar structure and properties of water. Additionally, water is the most common compound of hydrogen, covering approximately 71% of the Earth's surface. The preparation of water involves the combination of hydrogen and oxygen, either through natural processes or laboratory methods. Furthermore, water's properties, such as its ability to act as a solvent and its involvement in various chemical and biological reactions, make it an essential component in understanding the behavior and characteristics of nonmetals and hydrogen compounds.

Related terms

Hydrogen Bonding:

The attractive force that occurs between a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to a highly electronegative atom, such as oxygen or nitrogen, and another nearby highly electronegative atom.

Polarity:

The unequal distribution of electrons in a molecule, resulting in a molecule having a positive and a negative end.

Cohesion:

The intermolecular attractive forces that hold water molecules together, contributing to water's high surface tension and ability to rise in narrow tubes.