Problem 41 Why do polar covalent compounds ... [FREE SOLUTION]

Chapter 4: Problem 41

Why do polar covalent compounds dissolve in water?

Short Answer

Expert verified

Answer: Polar covalent compounds dissolve in water because their partial charges interact with the partial charges of water molecules through electrostatic interactions. This process, called hydration, forms a hydration shell around the solute molecules, enabling them to dissolve in water.

Step by step solution

Define Polar Covalent Compounds

Polar covalent compounds are formed when atoms share electrons unequally, which creates a partial positive charge on one atom and partial negative charge on another. This unequal sharing of electrons results in a polar molecule, with a dipole moment.

Define Water's Polarity

Water is a polar molecule due to its bent molecular geometry and the difference in electronegativity between oxygen and hydrogen atoms. Oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen, which means it attracts electrons more strongly. This results in a partial negative charge on the oxygen atom and partial positive charges on the hydrogen atoms.

Explain the Solvation Process

The process of dissolving a solute in a solvent is called solvation. In the case of polar covalent compounds dissolved in water, the process is called hydration. During this process, the polar water molecules interact with the polar solute molecules via electrostatic forces, which causes the formation of a hydration shell around the solute molecules.

Describe the Importance of Electrostatic Interactions

Electrostatic interactions, or the attractions between opposite partial charges, play a crucial role in the dissolution process. When polar covalent compounds dissolve in water, the partially negative oxygen atoms of water molecules are attracted to the partially positive ends of the solute molecules, while the partially positive hydrogen atoms of water are attracted to the partially negative ends of the solute. This interaction between the water molecules and the solute molecules causes the polar covalent compound to dissolve in water.

Conclusion

Polar covalent compounds dissolve in water because of the polarity of both the compound and water molecules. The electrostatic interactions between the partial positive and negative charges facilitate the dissolution process, allowing the polar covalent compounds to dissolve in water.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91影视!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

91影视

Why do polar covalent compounds dissolve in water?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Define Polar Covalent Compounds

Define Water's Polarity

Explain the Solvation Process

Describe the Importance of Electrostatic Interactions

Conclusion

One App. One Place for Learning.

Most popular questions from this chapter

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

The Earths Atmosphere

Chemical Analysis

Kinetics

Inorganic Chemistry

Chemical Reactions

Making Measurements

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.