Dipole Moment of Water: Explaining Its Ability to Solve Substances

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the dipole moment of water and its implications for water's effectiveness as a solvent. Participants explore the molecular structure of water, its polarity, and how these factors contribute to its solvent properties. The conversation touches on theoretical aspects and conceptual understanding.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that water has a large dipole moment of 6.1 x 10-30 C.m and question how this contributes to its solvent capabilities.
  • Others suggest that the polar nature of the water molecule, due to the clustering of electrons around the oxygen atom and its bent structure, is key to its effectiveness as a solvent.
  • A participant points out that the question may be poorly worded but emphasizes that the underlying concept remains valid and encourages further research.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the appropriateness of the question's framing, with some agreeing it resembles a homework question while others focus on the scientific concepts involved. No consensus is reached on the best way to approach the question.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about molecular structure and polarity are mentioned, but there is no resolution on the implications of these factors for water's solvent properties.

Reshma
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Certain molecules have built-in dipole moments. The dipole moment of water is unusually large: 6.1 x 10-30C.m. How does this account for the effectiveness of water as a solvent?
 
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Looks like a standard textbook question.

This thread shoud go into the Coursework section where it will be subject to the requirement that you first tell us what you think.
 
OK, I did not realize this is a HW-type question :blushing:.

So, in a water molecule, electrons cluster around the oxygen atom and the molecule is bent at an angle of 105 degrees. How does this make water an excellent solvent?
 
Last edited:
The molecule is polar, that should be the "bridge" between clustered electrons and excelent solvents.

I can't blame you though. The question is worded all weird but the concept is nevertheless the same, so you are better off researching about this.
 

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