The Question is from neet-chemistry p-block-elements , and it was created by the author Mr. S M HUSSAIN

Question

Which property of water contributes significantly to its high specific heat capacity?

Mr. S M HUSSAIN · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: C
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Specific heat capacity and hydrogen bonding in water
 **Related Topics**: Intermolecular forces, thermodynamics, properties of water
 **Prerequisites**: Understanding of specific heat capacity, hydrogen bonds, and molecular structure.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
The question asks about the property of water that leads to its high specific heat capacity.
**Method & Steps**:
1. Understand Specific Heat Capacity: Specific heat capacity is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 gram of a substance by 1 degree Celsius (or 1 Kelvin).
  Reasoning: Water has an unusually high specific heat capacity compared to many other substances.
  Formula/Rule:  $Q = mcΔT$, where Q is heat, m is mass, c is specific heat capacity, and ΔT is the change in temperature.
2. Analyze Water's Properties:
  Working: Water molecules ($H_2O$) are polar due to the electronegativity difference between oxygen and hydrogen. This polarity allows for the formation of hydrogen bonds between water molecules.
  Key Point: Hydrogen bonds are relatively strong intermolecular forces compared to van der Waals forces.
3. Relate Hydrogen Bonding to Specific Heat Capacity:
  Result: The extensive hydrogen bonding network in water requires a significant amount of energy to break these bonds before the temperature of the water can increase. This is why water has a high specific heat capacity.
  Verification: The high specific heat capacity of water is crucial for regulating temperature in biological systems and the environment.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
A :x: Low molecular weight:  Low molecular weight generally correlates with *lower* specific heat capacity, not higher.
B :x: Bent molecular geometry: The bent geometry contributes to water's polarity and thus hydrogen bonding, but it's not the direct cause of the high specific heat capacity.
 C ✓: Extensive hydrogen bonding network:  This is the correct answer. The strong hydrogen bonds require substantial energy to overcome, leading to the high specific heat capacity.
D :x: Presence of lone pairs on oxygen: While the lone pairs on oxygen contribute to the bent geometry and thus polarity,  the extensive hydrogen bonding network resulting from this polarity is the key factor for the high specific heat capacity.
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1.Confusing specific heat capacity with other properties of water (like boiling point): Focus on the definition of specific heat capacity and its relationship to energy required to break intermolecular forces.
  2.Overlooking the significance of hydrogen bonding: Hydrogen bonds are the primary reason for water's high specific heat capacity; don't get distracted by other less significant factors.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1.Remember that stronger intermolecular forces lead to higher specific heat capacity.
  2.Associate high specific heat capacity with the ability of a substance to resist temperature changes.

Mr. S M HUSSAIN · Answer

Low molecular weight

Mr. S M HUSSAIN · Answer

Bent molecular geometry

Mr. S M HUSSAIN · Answer

The correct Option is "Extensive hydrogen bonding network"

Mr. S M HUSSAIN · Answer

Presence of lone pairs on oxygen

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