What are the properties of aqueous solution and their equilibria?

Aqueous solutions have unique properties and equilibria due to the presence of water molecules.

Water is a polar molecule, meaning it has a partial positive charge on one end and a partial negative charge on the other. This allows it to form hydrogen bonds with other water molecules and with solutes dissolved in the water. These hydrogen bonds give water its high boiling point, surface tension, and ability to dissolve many substances.

In aqueous solutions, the concentration of solutes can affect the properties of the solution. For example, increasing the concentration of a solute can lower the freezing point and raise the boiling point of the solution. This is known as colligative properties.

Aqueous solutions can also undergo equilibria, such as acid-base reactions. In these reactions, water molecules can act as either an acid or a base, donating or accepting a proton. The pH of the solution can be measured to determine the concentration of hydrogen ions, which is a measure of the acidity or basicity of the solution.

Overall, the properties and equilibria of aqueous solutions are important in many biological processes, such as enzyme reactions and cellular transport. Understanding these properties is crucial for understanding the behaviour of biological systems.