Can covalent bonds in water break by pushing them on a solid?

In summary, the discussion is about the behavior of water molecules in the presence of a static electric field and how they may interact with a solid surface. There is a possibility that pressure from the electric field could induce an oxidation reaction. However, the nature of the O-H bonds in water molecules is still a topic of debate.
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material
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How do water molecules behave in the presence of a static electric field?

If I apply an electric field on water molecules, would they apply pressure to a solid surface (let's say a noble metal), and if so, what would happen? Could the oxygen wedge in between the atomic gaps on the surface of the solid? If the pressure is large enough, could the covalent bonds break?
 
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  • #2
material said:
How do water molecules behave in the presence of a static electric field?

They get ordered. Google for double layer.
 
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  • #3
the H-O-H bonds are hydrogen bonds, not covalent, but that doesn't answer your question.

from the Gibbs Free Energy perspective, pressure can have effect like temperature does, so there might be a critical pressure associated with an energy of reaction. I.e. having the oxygen react with the solid surface. What you're asking is if pressure can induce an oxidation reaction.
Yes, Probably.
 
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  • #5
Hyo X said:
the H-O-H bonds are hydrogen bonds, not covalent

That's not true. In a single, separated water molecule O-H bond is a mostly covalent one (with - as it is always the case - some ionic character). In solution things get more complicated, as water molecules interact by hydrogen bonds and hydrogen atoms are moving between molecules, but it still doesn't make all O-H bonds hydrogen bonds.
 
  • #6
What i am asking presented in a picture

http://img818.imageshack.us/img818/239/roov.jpg [Broken]
 
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1. Can covalent bonds in water break by pushing them on a solid?

Yes, covalent bonds in water can break by pushing them on a solid. This is because covalent bonds are formed by the sharing of electrons between atoms, and pushing on them can disrupt this sharing and break the bond.

2. What is the strength of covalent bonds in water?

The strength of a covalent bond in water can vary depending on the atoms involved, but generally, covalent bonds are considered strong bonds with high bond energies.

3. How does the polarity of water affect the breaking of covalent bonds?

The polarity of water does not directly affect the breaking of covalent bonds. However, the polarity of water molecules does play a role in the overall strength of the covalent bonds in water.

4. Can covalent bonds in water break without being pushed on a solid?

Yes, covalent bonds in water can break without being pushed on a solid. This can happen through other forms of energy, such as heat or chemical reactions, that can disrupt the sharing of electrons and break the bonds.

5. Are covalent bonds in water always broken when water is in contact with a solid?

No, covalent bonds in water are not always broken when water is in contact with a solid. The breaking of covalent bonds depends on the strength of the bonds and the amount of force or energy applied, which can vary in different situations.

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