Title: The Role of Hydrogen Bonds in Water's Specific Heat Capacity and Cold Compress Efficiency
One comparison of hydrogen bonds.
QUESTION 3: An unequal distribution of electrons gives the water molecule its polarity, which we can define as an uneven distribution of charge within the molecule. The water molecule is bent rather than linear in shape with the 2 hydrogen atoms bonded to the oxygen. The oxygen atom at the head of the molecule is electronegative, giving the molecule a partial negative charge and leaving the other end of the molecule with a partial positive charge around the hydrogen atoms. Based on this information and the information given in the lecture, explain (0.25 points each one):
a) How does hydrogen bonding occur?
b) Define specific heat.
c) How does hydrogen bonding contribute to the specific heat capacity of water?
d) See slide 10 of the power points and table 14 on slide 14. Which would make a more efficient cold compress, ethanol or methanol?