Biology SL
Biology SL
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Theme A - Unity & Diversity
Theme A - Unity & Diversity
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence
Theme C - Interaction & Interdependence
Theme D - Continuity & Change
Theme D - Continuity & Change
IB Resources
Theme D - Continuity & Change
Biology SL
Biology SL

Theme D - Continuity & Change

Unlock Water Solvation Secrets!

Word Count Emoji
409 words
Reading Time Emoji
3 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 14th Jun 2024

Table of content

Hey there, future biologist! 🌿 Ever wonder why water is the "universal solvent"? We're diving into the topic of solvation today, focusing on H₂O as the superstar solvent in biological systems. Let's break down the science jargon and make this as fun and simple as possible!

What is Solvation? 🤔

  • Definition: Solvation is basically a love story where a solvent (often water) and a solute (like salt or sugar) decide to hang out together in a solution.
  • Example: Think of water and Kool-Aid powder. The powder dissolves in water, resulting in a delicious drink. This is solvation in action!

Why Water is a Rockstar Solvent 🌟💧

Polarity: Water molecules are polar, meaning they have different "poles" with different charges.

  • Oxygen Pole: Partial negative charge 😞
  • Hydrogen Pole: Partial positive charge 😊

How Does Water's Polarity Help? 🧲

  • Polar Solutes: Water's partial positive and negative ends attract the similarly charged parts of polar solutes.

    • Real-World Example: You know how oil and water don't mix? That's because oil is non-polar, but water likes hanging out with polar molecules like sugar.
  • Positively Charged Ions: They are drawn to the negative oxygen pole of water.

    • Real-World Example: Think of water as a magnet for table salt (NaCl). The positively charged sodium (Na+) is attracted to water's negative oxygen end.
  • Negatively Charged Ions: They love the positive hydrogen pole of water.

    • Real-World Example: Continuing with our table salt example, the negatively charged chloride (Cl-) is attracted to water's positive hydrogen end.

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IB Resources
Theme D - Continuity & Change
Biology SL
Biology SL

Theme D - Continuity & Change

Unlock Water Solvation Secrets!

Word Count Emoji
409 words
Reading Time Emoji
3 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 14th Jun 2024

Table of content

Hey there, future biologist! 🌿 Ever wonder why water is the "universal solvent"? We're diving into the topic of solvation today, focusing on H₂O as the superstar solvent in biological systems. Let's break down the science jargon and make this as fun and simple as possible!

What is Solvation? 🤔

  • Definition: Solvation is basically a love story where a solvent (often water) and a solute (like salt or sugar) decide to hang out together in a solution.
  • Example: Think of water and Kool-Aid powder. The powder dissolves in water, resulting in a delicious drink. This is solvation in action!

Why Water is a Rockstar Solvent 🌟💧

Polarity: Water molecules are polar, meaning they have different "poles" with different charges.

  • Oxygen Pole: Partial negative charge 😞
  • Hydrogen Pole: Partial positive charge 😊

How Does Water's Polarity Help? 🧲

  • Polar Solutes: Water's partial positive and negative ends attract the similarly charged parts of polar solutes.

    • Real-World Example: You know how oil and water don't mix? That's because oil is non-polar, but water likes hanging out with polar molecules like sugar.
  • Positively Charged Ions: They are drawn to the negative oxygen pole of water.

    • Real-World Example: Think of water as a magnet for table salt (NaCl). The positively charged sodium (Na+) is attracted to water's negative oxygen end.
  • Negatively Charged Ions: They love the positive hydrogen pole of water.

    • Real-World Example: Continuing with our table salt example, the negatively charged chloride (Cl-) is attracted to water's positive hydrogen end.

Unlock the Full Content! File Is Locked Emoji

Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Biology SL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟