Describe how hydrogen bonding arises in water

Water is made up of one oxygen and two hydrogen atoms. Oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen, meaning the electrons in the hydrogen-oxygen bond are slightly more attracted to the oxygen. This makes the bond polar, with oxygen being slightly negative (δ- or "delta negative") and hydrogen slightly positive (δ+ or "delta positive"). There is a weak electrostatic interaction between these partial charges, so the slightly negative oxygen of one water molecule will be weakly attracted to a slightly positive hydrogen in another water molecule.

LT

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

How do mutations make non-functional enzymes?


"Describe the process of Aerobic Respiration"


What is negative feedback and what is positive feedback? Give an example for each of where it is important in regulation?


Describe and explain how the lungs are adapted to allow rapid exchange of oxygen between the air in the alveoli and blood in the capillaries around them. (5 marks)