Question

1. the molecule of water is described as a polar molecule. polar molecules have an unequal sharing of electrons. explain how this unequal sharing is present by using our water molecule graphic below.
2. water is an excellent solvent. with water being a polar molecule, it can be an especially strong solvent for other polar molecules. give an example of how water acting as a solvent is important for living organisms.

amoeba sisters video select recap: properties of water

Explanation:

1. In a water molecule ($H_2O$), oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen. Oxygen attracts the shared - electrons more strongly, creating a partial negative charge on the oxygen atom and partial positive charges on the hydrogen atoms, which shows unequal sharing of electrons.
2. Water can dissolve many ionic and polar - covalent substances. For example, when salt (sodium chloride, $NaCl$) is added to water, the polar water molecules surround the sodium and chloride ions, separating them and dissolving the salt. This is crucial for many biological processes like the transport of nutrients and waste in living organisms.

Answer:

1. Oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen in a water molecule. It attracts the shared electrons more strongly, resulting in a partial negative charge on oxygen and partial positive charges on hydrogen, demonstrating unequal electron - sharing.
2. An example of water acting as a solvent is the dissolution of salt (sodium chloride). The polar water molecules surround the sodium and chloride ions, separating and dissolving the salt, which is important for biological processes such as nutrient and waste transport in living organisms.