What does a water molecule look like (the shape)and what atoms does it contain? Also why are water molecules polar molecules?
A water molecule contains two hydrogens and one oxygen between them. However, the 3 atoms are not in a straight line - the hydrogens are bent down kind of like this:
O
H H
Because the oxygen has a higher electronegativity than the hydrogens, it pulls a little harder on the electrons that are being shared. Because the 2 directions of the pull of oxygen on each bond don't cancel each other out, there is a dipole moment and the water molecule is polar. The definition of polar is that the difference between the electronegativites of the 2 atoms in question is between 0.6 and 2.
Sorry, the diagram didn't work out right:
(ignore the dots, I'm just using them so the computer will let me do this right)
...O...
H.....H
This helped me alot but if you are not too busy would you mind helping me with this question: List 2 physical properties of water that are determined by its structure and explain how the structure determines those properties.
I'm really confused because i don't quiet get the question.
  H
  ..
 :O:H
  ..
I hope that is a little better.
1)The boiling point is higher than normal because of the polarity of the water molecule. That allows hydrogen bonding to take place and the boiling point is raised over that expected.
2)The density of ice is smaller than liquid water (at the same temperature) because it occupies a larger volume when it freezes.
To find the answer to your question, you would need to understand the concept of hydrogen bonding. Here's how you can do that:
1. Start by researching the concept of hydrogen bonding. Look for credible sources such as scientific articles, textbooks, or educational websites to understand the basics of hydrogen bonding.
2. Learn about the structure of a water molecule and how its polarity contributes to hydrogen bonding. Understand how the electronegativity difference between oxygen and hydrogen atoms leads to the formation of polar covalent bonds and gives water its dipole moment.
3. Identify two physical properties of water that are determined by its structure. One example would be that water has a higher boiling point compared to other compounds of similar molecular weight. Another example would be the unusual property of ice being less dense than liquid water.
4. Explain how the structure of water determines these properties:
- The higher boiling point is a result of hydrogen bonding. The positive hydrogen end of one water molecule forms a hydrogen bond with the negative oxygen end of another water molecule. These hydrogen bonds require more energy to break, thus increasing the boiling point.
- The lower density of ice is due to the arrangement of water molecules in a crystal lattice when frozen. In the solid form, water molecules form an open hexagonal arrangement with empty spaces. This causes ice to have a lower density than liquid water, where the molecules are packed more closely together.
Remember to use clear and concise language when explaining these concepts, making sure to link them directly to the structure of water.