BOT2603
Assignment 1
Semester 2 2023
lenovo
[COMPANY NAME] [Company address]
, BOT2603 Assignment 1 Semester 2 2023
Question 1 [10]
1.1 Discuss the following unique properties of the water molecule:
1.1.1 Configuration (structure)
The water molecule, H2O, has a unique configuration that contributes to its special
properties. It consists of two hydrogen atoms bonded covalently to one oxygen
atom, forming a bent or V-shaped structure. The oxygen atom sits at the center,
and the two hydrogen atoms are positioned at an angle of approximately 104.5
degrees from each other. This bent shape results from the repulsion between lone
pairs of electrons on the oxygen atom.
1.1.2 Polarity
One of the most crucial and distinctive properties of water is its polarity. The
oxygen atom in the water molecule is more electronegative than the hydrogen
atoms, causing it to pull the shared electrons towards itself. As a result, the oxygen
atom carries a partial negative charge (δ-) due to the increased electron density,
and the hydrogen atoms possess partial positive charges (δ+). This unequal
distribution of charges gives rise to a polar molecule, where one side (oxygen) is
more negatively charged and the other side (hydrogen) is more positively charged.
1.1.3 Hydrogen bond
Water's polarity enables it to form hydrogen bonds, which are crucial to many of
its properties. A hydrogen bond occurs when the positively charged hydrogen atom
of one water molecule is attracted to the negatively charged oxygen atom of
another water molecule. These bonds are weaker than covalent bonds but stronger
Assignment 1
Semester 2 2023
lenovo
[COMPANY NAME] [Company address]
, BOT2603 Assignment 1 Semester 2 2023
Question 1 [10]
1.1 Discuss the following unique properties of the water molecule:
1.1.1 Configuration (structure)
The water molecule, H2O, has a unique configuration that contributes to its special
properties. It consists of two hydrogen atoms bonded covalently to one oxygen
atom, forming a bent or V-shaped structure. The oxygen atom sits at the center,
and the two hydrogen atoms are positioned at an angle of approximately 104.5
degrees from each other. This bent shape results from the repulsion between lone
pairs of electrons on the oxygen atom.
1.1.2 Polarity
One of the most crucial and distinctive properties of water is its polarity. The
oxygen atom in the water molecule is more electronegative than the hydrogen
atoms, causing it to pull the shared electrons towards itself. As a result, the oxygen
atom carries a partial negative charge (δ-) due to the increased electron density,
and the hydrogen atoms possess partial positive charges (δ+). This unequal
distribution of charges gives rise to a polar molecule, where one side (oxygen) is
more negatively charged and the other side (hydrogen) is more positively charged.
1.1.3 Hydrogen bond
Water's polarity enables it to form hydrogen bonds, which are crucial to many of
its properties. A hydrogen bond occurs when the positively charged hydrogen atom
of one water molecule is attracted to the negatively charged oxygen atom of
another water molecule. These bonds are weaker than covalent bonds but stronger
