Question

What does it mean when we say that water is a polar molecule?

Answer 1

Hint :A polar molecule is one that's neutral, or uncharged, but has an asymmetric internal distribution of charge, leading to partially positive and partially negative regions. Generally speaking, water is good at dissolving ions and polar molecules, but poor at dissolving nonpolar molecules. As a result of water’s polarity, each water molecule attracts other water molecules because of the opposite charges between them, forming hydrogen bonds. Water also attracts or is attracted to, other polar molecules and ions, including many biomolecules, such as sugars, nucleic acids, and some amino acids.

Complete Step By Step Answer:
Water interacts differently with charged and polar substances than with nonpolar substances because of the polarity of its own molecules. Water molecules are polar, with partial positive charges on the hydrogens, a partial negative charge on the oxygen, and a bent overall structure.
Since the water molecule (comprising two atoms of Hydrogen and one of Oxygen) is formed by covalent bonds, the electrons are shared.
This sharing causes the electrons to stay closer to the oxygen atom giving it a slight negative charge while the hydrogen atoms, as a consequence, have a slight positive charge.

Note :
Because of its polarity and ability to form hydrogen bonds, water makes an excellent solvent, meaning that it can dissolve many different kinds of molecules. Most of the chemical reactions important to life take place in a watery environment inside of cells, and water's capacity to dissolve a wide variety of molecules is key in allowing these chemical reactions to take place.