Water is a compound because it is composed of individual water molecules. Water is one of the natural resources that is present in sufficient quantities. In this article, we will study why water is a compound, a molecule, and not an element and mixture.
Water- A Compound and a Molecule
When two or more atoms form chemical bonds with one another, a compound is formed. Water has the chemical formula H2O, which means that every molecule of water is made up of one oxygen atom bound chemically to two hydrogen atoms. Thus, water is a compound. It is also a molecule, which is any chemical substance formed by the chemical bonding of two or more atoms.
1. Water
Water is a chemical compound that is made of two hydrogen atoms that are joined by a covalent bond to the central oxygen atom. A molecule that has this arrangement is called polar. Due to the polarisation of the water molecule, the electropositive hydrogen of one water molecule attracts the electronegative oxygen atom of the following water molecule through electrostatic forces. The term "hydrogen bond" refers to the electrostatic dipole-dipole interaction between water molecules.
Transient hydrogen bonding between water molecules results in the formation of a clear, tasteless, odourless liquid. Water can also exist in states other than liquid, such as gas (as water vapour) and solid (as ice). The high boiling point, surface tension, specific heat, and heat of vaporization are some characteristics of water that are caused by hydrogen bonding between its molecules.
1. Properties of Water
Due to water's chemical and physical characteristics, and very high dielectric constant it is known as the universal solvent. It is one of the major inorganic substances of biological importance. Below given are some of the distinguishing characteristics of water.
At normal temperatures, water is a liquid.
It is an odourless, tasteless liquid. Additionally transparent, it allows sunshine to pass through, allowing aquatic vegetation to survive.
At temperatures lower than 4 °C, water expands (rather than contracts). So, as it freezes, it loses density. This makes the ice-like solidified water to float above the water's surface. As a result, species can continue to exist beneath the freezing water and sea surface.
Water vapour is the gaseous state in which water exists and has a high heat of vaporization. Convection transports water vapour to the atmosphere on Earth. This results in the formation of clouds. Living things receive rainwater from the clouds in response which is known as precipitation.
Convection transports water vapour to the atmosphere on Earth. This results in the formation of clouds. Living things receive rainwater from the clouds in response which is known as precipitation.
2. Why is Water not an Element?
A form of matter known as an element is a substance that cannot be chemically broken into simpler constituents. Hydrogen and oxygen are the main elements in the water. A water molecule, which consists of two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom, is the smallest unit of water. It is not an element because it has the formula H2O and can be divided into its constituent elements. The hydrogen and oxygen atoms in water do not share the same number of electrons because they are two separate elements.
3. Why is Water not a Mixture?
Since hydrogen and oxygen atoms combine to form water, it is assumed that water is a mixture. However, according to scientific definitions, a mixture is a compound that is formed when two substances are physically mixed. A mixture of hydrogen and oxygen molecules is obtained if you release gas from hydrogen and oxygen cylinders into a space. Since the product is simply a physical combination of hydrogen and oxygen, we don't get water. If you combine hydrogen and oxygen with adequate energy, and proper proportions a chemical reaction takes place (a chemical combination), and the result is water. Hence, water is not a mixture; it is a compound.
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Key Points
Water is a compound. This is because it is made up of two elements: hydrogen and oxygen.
The chemical formula for water is H2O, indicating that it is made of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom chemically bonded together.
Covalent bonds, in which the elements share electrons, are the chemical bonds that bind them together.
Due to covalent bond which is a chemical bond, water is able to exist in all three states of matter (solid, liquid, and gas), as well as dissolve a wide variety of compounds.
FAQs
1. What is a compound?
A compound is a chemical substance made up of two or more elements that are chemically bonded together in a fixed ratio.
2. What are the elements in water?
The elements in water are hydrogen and oxygen. The chemical formula for water is H2O, indicating that it is made of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.
3. How are the elements in water bonded together?
The elements in water are bonded together through a covalent bond, in which the hydrogen and oxygen atoms share electrons.
4. What properties does water have as a result of being a compound?
Water's properties as a compound include its ability to exist in all the three states of matter (solid, liquid, and gas) and its ability to dissolve many substances.
5. Why is water a molecule?
Water is a molecule because it is made of two or more atoms which are bonded together chemically. In this case, water is made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, and they are bonded together by a covalent bond.
Conclusion
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