1.7.2

Structure of Water

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The Structure of Water

The structure of a water molecule helps us to understand hydrogen bonding and the function of water.

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Contents of a water molecule

  • Water molecules (H2O) are made from:
    • One oxygen atom.
    • Two hydrogen atoms.
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Polarity

  • Water is a polar molecule.
    • The oxygen atoms in water are slightly negatively charged.
    • The hydrogen atoms in water are slightly positively charged.
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Hydrogen bonding

  • The polarity of water molecules means that a hydrogen atom on one water molecule is attracted to the oxygen atom on another water molecule.
  • This attraction is called hydrogen bonding.

Jump to other topics

1Biological Molecules

2Cells

3Substance Exchange

4Genetic Information & Variation

5Energy Transfers (A2 only)

6Responding to Change (A2 only)

7Genetics & Ecosystems (A2 only)

8The Control of Gene Expression (A2 only)

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