Science Common Sense
895 - How does hydrogen bonding affect the properties of water?
Hydrogen bonding in water is when a hydrogen atom in one water molecule connects to an oxygen atom in another water molecule. This bonding makes water special and affects its properties in these ways:
- Higher boiling point: It takes more energy to break the hydrogen bonds, so water boils at a higher temperature (100°C).
- Higher surface tension: The bonds make the water molecules stick together, creating a kind of "skin" on the surface. This is why you can put a paper clip on water and it won't sink.
- Good for life: Hydrogen bonding helps water dissolve many things, like nutrients and minerals, which is important for plants and animals to grow.
- Ice floats: When water freezes, the hydrogen bonds make the ice crystals more spread out, so they are less dense than liquid water, which is why ice floats.
These unique properties make water essential for life on Earth.