Structure of Water
Biology: AQA A Level, topic 1.7.2
The Structure of Water
The structure of a water molecule helps us to understand hydrogen bonding and the function of water.
Contents of a water molecule
- Water molecules (H2O) are made from:
- One oxygen atom.
- Two hydrogen atoms.
Polarity
- Water is a polar molecule.
- The oxygen atoms in water are slightly negatively charged.
- The hydrogen atoms in water are slightly positively charged.
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.
Test yourself on Structure of Water
What are the components of a water molecule?
What is the attraction between water molecules?
Which of the following statements about water are true?