Water

Question 1

What bonds form between molecules of water?

Answer 1

Hydrogen

Question 2

Why does the water molecule have a V-shape?

Answer 2

electron pair repulsion causing angular geometry

Question 3

In a water molecule, why does oxygen have a slight negative charge (δ⁻)?

Answer 3

electrons spend more time orbiting oxygen

Question 4

Hydrogen bonds between water molecules are characterised by

Answer 4

Weak, easily breakable attractions

Question 5

Water has many functions, which two are important within the cell?

Answer 5

• transport medium
• chemical reaction medium

Question 6

How does water’s polarity contribute to its role as solvent?

Answer 6

Dissolves polar substances like enzymes and glucose

Question 7

Capillary action in plants relies on

Answer 7

Adhesion and cohesion through hydrogen bonding

Question 8

Why is water’s ability to absorb heat important for living organisms?

Answer 8

prevents enzyme denaturation

Question 9

What is unique about the way water molecules interact with each other?

Answer 9

Unequal electron sharing creating partial charges

Question 10

How does the high latent heat of vaporisation of water benefit living organisms?

Answer 10

It helps cool the body through sweating or transpiration