QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
Is water a polar or non-polar solvent?
Is hexane a polar or non-polar solvent?
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Answer
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Step 1:I'll solve this problem step by step, focusing on the polarity of water and hexane:
Step 2:: Understanding Molecular Polarity
Polarity is determined by the electronegativity difference between atoms in a molecule and the molecule's overall geometric structure. This creates an uneven distribution of electrical charge.
Step 3:: Analyzing Water (\mathrm{H_2 O})
\therefore \text{Water is a POLAR solvent}
- Water has a bent molecular geometry - Oxygen is much more electronegative than hydrogen - This creates a significant charge separation - Oxygen has a partial negative charge - Hydrogens have partial positive charges - Results in a net dipole moment
Step 4:: Analyzing Hexane (\mathrm{C_6 H_{14}})
\therefore \text{Hexane is a NON-POLAR solvent}
- Hexane is a hydrocarbon with only carbon and hydrogen atoms - Carbon and hydrogen have very similar electronegativities - Symmetrical molecular structure - No significant charge separation - No dipole moment exists
Final Answer
- Water: Polar solvent - Hexane: Non-polar solvent
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