One of the biggest questions that people have concerning distilled water is whether or not it is polar. The answer is an unequivocal yes. It is polar due to the bent shape of its molecules. The reason the shape is bent is because of the competition between opposing negative and positive charges.
The negative charge comes from the oxygen on one side of the molecule. The positive charge comes from the hydrogen on the other side. Together, they form a combination or chemical bonding. This union is known as polar covalent chemical bonding. Solutes may be added to the mix, at which point they will be affected by the competing charges.
To put it in a somewhat simpler matter, the two hydrogen atoms present in water are always being simultaneously attracted and repulsed by the oxygen atoms. This accounts for the polarity that you will find present in water. It also accounts for the fact that water is the primal liquid state that is also subject to periodic evaporation.
Which Side Of Water Is Polar?
The side of water that contains the two hydrogen atoms will tend to be recognized as the polar side. This is the two to the fact that both of the hydrogen atoms will be attracted to the identical side of the oxygen atom. However, even though they may be attracted, they will still be found as far distant from each other as possible.
This separation is due to the fact that both of the hydrogen atoms are charged in the positive manner. This is the reason that the shape of water is bent in such a characteristic manner. It is the result of the push and pull between the attractive and repulsive qualities of the hydrogen and oxygen molecules that are in the water.
Why Water Is A Polar Covalent Molecule?
The reason that water is a polar covalent molecule is due to the intrinsic value of the electronegativity in the molecule itself. This value is set at a permanent level of 2.1. Meanwhile, the value of the electronegativity present in oxygen is set at 3.5. The less difference between the values, the more easily they can form a covalent bond.
It remains to be pointed out that, even if the covalent bond is intrinsically polar, a water molecule will still be electrically neutral. Each molecule of water will be found to possess a total number of 10 protons and 10 electrons. As a result, its net charge will be an extremely neutral total of 0.
What Two Factors Make Water Polar?
There are two main factors that cause water to be polar in nature. The first of these two factors is geometric in origin. In essence, the two hydrogen atoms that cause the creation of water will be found on one side. Meanwhile the single oxygen atom will be found on the other. The polarization is a result of this attraction and repulsion.
The second factor that accounts for the polarity of water can be classed under the heading of electronegativity. This basically means that the lone oxygen atom exerts a strong attractive pull on the two electrons. The oxygen present in the molecule will have a stronger negative charge than the hydrogen side. The result is polarity.
This arrangement contributes to the shape and composition of water as we know it. For this reason, it is important to take notice of. Water in any other arrangement would simply not be water. It would not be able to sustain life or exist in its present form.
Why Is It Important That Water Is Polar?
There are a number of very handy results that spring directly from the polarity of water. These are results that should not be underestimated. If water was not polar, the earth would be a much dryer, much harsher environment. In fact, if the content of water did not contain polarity, there very likely would be no life on Earth at all.
The polarity of water has many fortunate results. These include helping house plants to grow. In fact, vegetation of all types would be impossible without the polarity of water. This is because water is an essential part of the makeup of all life on Earth. The polarity of water is part of the reason why plants have evolved as they have.
Another important product of the polarity of water is the successful development of C-pap machines. These handy machines require the use of water to help people who suffer from asthma, allergies, or extreme sleep disorders. The polarity of water helps to provide an essential ingredient in the regulation and longevity of these devices.
The polarization of water has a positive effect in many other areas. Polar water has many common household and commercial uses. Everything from cleaning dishes and preparing food for yourself and your family is made possible by the polarization of water. Likewise, huge industrial turbines are powered by water in its polar state.
What Would Happen If Water Wasn’t Polar?
If water were not found in its natural polar state, it would not be able to exist at all. The only reason that water as we know does currently exist is because of the attraction and repulsion of hydrogen and oxygen. Without this eternal push and pull, the composition, shape, and durability of water would not be fit for our usage.
It should be noted that if the atoms were not distributed in their present arrangement or were substituted for others, water as we know it would be a very different thing. It could well continue to exist in a gaseous state that would not support the wide diversity of life on Earth.
It may well be the polarity of water that enables it to exist in its present form. This natural arrangement of atoms in a single water of molecule is the ultimate source of the miracle of life.