H20 as a linear molecule?

[firestorm650]

What would the earth be like if H20 was a linear molecule? I was thinking about this during chemistry:confused:

[Tetrahedrite]

To start with, you wouldn't be here to ask this question. The earth would most probably be dry and desolate. the boiling point of water would probably be similar to that of CO2 (around -80 deg C, also a linear molecule) and life would therefore be impossible.

[Cap'n Refsmmat]

That is, if we rule out the possibility that it's possible for life to exist without water.

 

(A major problem with responses such as tetrahedrite's is simply a lack of imagination.)

[JustStuit]

It would also lose its polar properties wouldn't it?

[firestorm650]

i mean, would water have a different shape to it? and how about its properties (other than boiling/freezing point, and polarity)

[JustStuit]

Being non-polar would vastly change nearly all of its properties.

[firestorm650]

what would "nearly all properties" be? (sorry, im not that big in chem, bigger fan of bio)

[JustStuit]

Lower Boiling point, less water tension, nonsoluable, would react to other elements/compunds much differently.

[firestorm650]

Oh okay, got it. Thanks for all the help guys, everything came together now:D

[firestorm650]

how about the shape of water

[akcapr]

it would still be liquid, just no hydrogen bonds

[aj47]

It would also be less cohesive so tall plants and trees could not take up water.

[Tetrahedrite]

it would still be liquid, just no hydrogen bonds

I don't think it would be a liquid at STP. A linear, non-polar molecule of such a low molecular weight would almost certainly be a gas under these conditions.

[jdurg]

Heh. I really hope I'm reading this wrong, but your intial post asked:

 

What if water was a linear molecule?

 

So when you asked:

 

how about the shape of water

 

I kind of chuckled.