vätemolekylen

Vätemolekylen, also known as water molecule, is a fundamental unit of the chemical compound water (H2O). It consists of two hydrogen atoms covalently bonded to a single oxygen atom. The oxygen atom has eight electrons in its outer shell, while each hydrogen atom has one. To achieve a stable electron configuration, the oxygen atom shares its two spare electrons with the hydrogen atoms, forming two covalent bonds. This arrangement results in a bent molecular geometry, with an approximate bond angle of 104.5 degrees.

The water molecule exhibits polar covalent bonds due to the difference in electronegativity between oxygen and hydrogen. Oxygen is more electronegative, causing it to pull the shared electrons closer to itself, resulting in a partial negative charge (δ-) on the oxygen atom and partial positive charges (δ+) on the hydrogen atoms. This polarity gives water its unique properties, such as high boiling and melting points, strong surface tension, and the ability to dissolve many substances.

Water molecules can form hydrogen bonds with each other, which are relatively strong compared to other intermolecular forces. These bonds contribute to water's high boiling point, its ability to expand when it freezes (which is why ice floats), and its role as a solvent in biological systems. The hydrogen bonding also influences the physical and chemical properties of water, making it essential for life and various industrial processes.