AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Water molecules are polar, with partial positive charges on the hydrogens, a partial negative charge on the oxygen, and a bent overall structure. This is because oxygen is more electronegative, meaning that it is better than hydrogen at attracting electrons.

Detailed explanation-2: -As a result of water’s polarity, each water molecule attracts other water molecules because of the opposite charges between them, forming hydrogen bonds. Water also attracts, or is attracted to, other polar molecules and ions, including many biomolecules, such as sugars, nucleic acids, and some amino acids.

Detailed explanation-3: -The polarity of water and its ability to hydrogen bond contributes to its unique properties. Ionic solute molecules are hydrated (surrounded by solvent molecules in a specific orientation). Ice is less dense than liquid water due to spaces in the intermolecular structure of ice not present in water.

Detailed explanation-4: -The unequal sharing of electrons between the atoms and the unsymmetrical shape of the molecule means that a water molecule has two poles-a positive charge on the hydrogen pole (side) and a negative charge on the oxygen pole (side). We say that the water molecule is electrically polar.