Water molecules are polar, with slightly positive and negative charges, allowing them to form hydrogen bonds between oxygen and hydrogen atoms of other water molecules. This hydrogen bonding gives water high surface tension and ability to dissolve many substances, making it an excellent solvent for biological and chemical processes in plants, animals, and the environment. Water also has unique thermal properties like a high specific heat capacity that buffers temperature changes.

1. Structure of Water
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Hydrogen Bonding
• Each oxygen-hydrogen bond in a water
molecule is a polar covalent bond,
resulting in a slight negative charge at
the oxygen end and a slight positive
charge at the hydrogen end.
• Because the two ends of each water
molecule have opposite charges,
water molecules are attracted to each
other.
Solvent Properties
Examples of Water as a Solvent in Plants
and Animals
Thermal Properties
Cohesive Properties