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VICChemistryQuick questions
Unit 2: How do chemical reactions shape the natural world?
Quick questions on Polarity and intermolecular forces in aqueous solutions: VCE Chemistry Unit 2
6short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is why water is polar?Show answer
Water has the molecular formula $H_2O$. Oxygen is far more electronegative than hydrogen (3.44 vs 2.20 on the Pauling scale), so each $O-H$ bond is polar covalent: the oxygen carries a partial negative charge ($\delta^-$), each hydrogen a partial positive charge ($\delta^+$).
What is the three intermolecular forces in water and aqueous solutions?Show answer
In pure water, hydrogen bonding dominates because each water molecule can donate two H and accept two via its lone pairs.
What is predicting solubility in water?Show answer
Apply this checklist to any solute:
What is comparing solubilities of similar molecules?Show answer
A common VCAA pattern asks you to rank a family. Use the balance of polar head vs non-polar tail.
What is calling water non-polar because the bond dipoles cancel?Show answer
They do not cancel in a bent molecule. They cancel in $CO_2$ (linear) but not in $H_2O$.
What is saying a long alcohol is insoluble because it is non-polar?Show answer
It is amphiphilic. The $-OH$ end is polar; the alkyl chain is not. Long alcohols are insoluble because the non-polar end wins.
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