Question

how does the structure of the water molecule help explain the ability of water to form beads on the wax? question 19 of 23 review progress back next

Explanation:

Water is a polar molecule due to the electronegativity difference between oxygen and hydrogen. The oxygen - end is slightly negative and the hydrogen - end is slightly positive. This polarity leads to strong hydrogen - bonding between water molecules. Wax is non - polar. Water molecules prefer to interact with each other through hydrogen bonds rather than with the non - polar wax surface. This cohesive force among water molecules causes them to form beads on the wax surface to minimize their contact with the non - polar wax and maximize their internal hydrogen - bonding interactions.

Answer:

The polarity of water molecules and the resulting hydrogen - bonding among them cause water to form beads on non - polar wax surfaces as water molecules prefer to interact with each other rather than with the non - polar wax.