What does it mean for a molecule to be polar?

A polar molecule has an uneven distribution of charge, creating slightly positive and negative ends.

Explain how the structure of a water molecule (H₂O) leads to its polar nature.

Oxygen has a higher number of protons and therefore pulls the electrons closer, making the oxygen side slightly more negative and the hydrogen sides slightly more positive.

Describe hydrogen bonding and explain why it is considered a 'weak' bond.

Hydrogen bonds are weak attractions between the slightly positive hydrogen of one water molecule and the slightly negative oxygen of another. They are weak because they are easily broken.

Define cohesion in the context of water molecules.

Cohesion is the attraction between water molecules to each other.

Water's Special Properties Lesson Plan for Grade 9th Grade

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Learning Objective

I can describe why water is polar and describe the unique properties of water and their importance for living organisms.

1
Water is a polar molecule, meaning it has an uneven distribution of charge and is electrically neutral.
2
Electrons spend more time orbiting the oxygen nucleus, making it slightly more negative, while the hydrogens become slightly more positive.
3
Cohesion is when water molecules are attracted to themselves, while adhesion is when water molecules are attracted to other polar substances, leading to capillary action and high surface tension.

Water's Special Properties

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Learning Objective

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