Structure of AP Biology / College Biology
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listed.
Bonding
Structure of
Water
Water (H₂O) is composed of two
hydrogen atoms and one oxygen
atom.
Polarity of Water
• The polarity of water leads to
hydrogen bonding.
• Oxygen is more electronegative
than hydrogen, creating a dipole
moment.
⚬ Water is a polar molecule,
with partial positive charges
on hydrogen atoms and a
partial negative charge on
the oxygen atom.
Hydrogen
Bonding
• Water displays HYDROPHILIC properties,
indicating its affinity for being close to
other water molecules.
• Oil demonstrates HYDROPHOBIC
characteristics, showing its aversion to
water.
• Although hydrogen bonds are weaker than
covalent bonds, they play a vital role in
defining water's properties.
• Hydrogen bonding occurs when hydrogen
bonds with elements F,O,N
Cohesion
Cohesion is the attraction between water molecules.
Example: Water transport in plants.
Adhesion
• Adhesion is the attraction of
water molecules to other
surfaces.
• Example: Water droplets on
a window.
Surface
Tension
Surface tension is the difficulty of breaking the
surface of the water.
Example: Water striders walking on water.
High Specific Heat
Water has a high specific heat capacity,
meaning it can absorb or release a large
amount of heat with only a slight change in
temperature.
Evaporative Cooling
• Water has a high heat of vaporization, allowing
for effective cooling mechanisms.
• Example: Sweating cools the body.
Dissociation
of Water
• Water can dissociate into
hydronium (H₃O⁺) and
hydroxide (OH⁻) ions.
• This process is essential
for pH balance in
biological systems.
pH Scale
pH is inversely related [H+]
pOH is inversely related to [OH-]
• Acidic Solutions: These contain a high
concentration of hydrogen ions (H+). When an
acid dissolves in water, it releases hydrogen ions.
• Basic Solutions: These release hydroxide ions
(OH–) instead of hydrogen ions when dissolved
in water.
• Neutral Solutions: Have a balanced
concentration of hydrogen ions and hydroxide
ions, typically represented by pure water.
• The pH scale, which ranges from 1 to 14,
measures the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. A pH= - log[H+]
pH of 7 is considered neutral.
Summary of Water Properties
Cohesion: Water molecules have a strong tendency to stick together, which is known as cohesion. This property contributes to surface
tension, allowing light objects like leaves and water striders to sit on the water's surface without sinking.
Adhesion: Water molecules also tend to stick to other substances, a property known as adhesion. Together, cohesion and adhesion enable
water to move upward through the roots, trunks, and branches of trees in a process called capillary action.
Surface Tension: The cohesion of water molecules creates a tension on the water's surface. This property allows certain insects to walk on
water and supports light objects floating on its surface.
High Heat Capacity: Water can absorb a lot of heat before its temperature rises significantly. This high heat capacity helps regulate
temperatures in the environment.
Expansion on Freezing: Water expands when it freezes, making ice less dense than liquid water, which is why ice floats.
Quiz Time
Time to test your knowledge!
Quick
Reminder
Permitted calculators during the
test (ALL PARTS) include:
• Four-function calculator (with
square root)
• Scientific (non-graphing)
calculator, as long as it does not
have any unapproved features
or capabilities
• Graphing calculator
If the pH of a solution is increased from 4 to 5, it means that the:
(A) concentration of H+ has increased 10 times what it was at pH 4.
(B) concentration of H+ has decreased to 1/10 of what it was at pH 4.
(C) concentration of OH− has decreased to 1/10 of what it was at pH
4.
(D) concentration of OH− has increased 10 times what it was at pH 4.
If the pH of a solution is increased from 4 to 5, it means that the:
(A) concentration of H+ has increased 10 times what it was at pH 4.
(B) concentration of H+ has decreased to 1/10 of what it was at pH 4.
(C) concentration of OH− has decreased to 1/10 of what it was at pH
4.
(D) concentration of OH− has increased 10 times what it was at pH 4.
pH= - log[H+]
pH= - log[H+] pOH= - log[OH-]
It is beneficial to memorize both formulas provided for the
Biology Exam, even though one is included in the formula sheet.
pH is inversely related [H+]
pOH is inversely related to [OH-]
Which of the following statements about the structure of
water and hydrogen bonding is correct?
(A) Water molecules are held together by ionic bonds.
(B) Hydrogen bonding occurs between the hydrogen atom of
one water molecule and the oxygen atom of another water
molecule.
(C) Water has a linear molecular structure.
(D) Hydrogen bonds in water are stronger than covalent
bonds within the same molecule.
Which of the following statements about the structure of
water and hydrogen bonding is correct?
(A) Water molecules are held together by ionic bonds.
(B) Hydrogen bonding occurs between the hydrogen atom of
one water molecule and the oxygen atom of another water
molecule.
(C) Water has a linear molecular structure.
(D) Hydrogen bonds in water are stronger than covalent
bonds within the same molecule.
