1.1 Particle Theory and Bonding

The study of ocean water forms a foundational component of the AICE Marine Science curriculum, giving students critical insights into the physical and chemical properties of the world’s oceans. 


In Unit 1, students explore the essential characteristics of ocean water by diving into topics like particle theory and bonding, solubility, and the interplay between density and pressure. Understanding these elements is crucial for grasping larger concepts in oceanography, including how marine life interacts with its environment and how physical ocean processes influence global systems like weather and climate.

1.1 Particle Theory and Bonding

Learning Outcome Objective:
Describe the structure of atoms, including protons, neutrons, and electrons, and explain how they bond to form compounds.


Key Concepts:

At the heart of understanding ocean water is the concept of particle theory, which posits that all matter is made up of tiny particles that are constantly in motion. Water molecules themselves are formed by the chemical bonding of hydrogen and oxygen atoms. The most common form of bonding in ocean water is covalent bonding, where two atoms share electrons to form a stable molecule.

The Structure of Atoms:

Atoms consist of a nucleus, which contains protons (positively charged) and neutrons (neutral), surrounded by electrons (negatively charged) that orbit the nucleus in various energy levels. The arrangement of electrons determines how atoms interact and bond with each other.

In water, the oxygen atom has six electrons in its outer shell but needs two more to achieve stability. It achieves this by sharing electrons with two hydrogen atoms, creating two covalent bonds. This bonding results in a polar molecule where one end (the oxygen end) is slightly negative, and the other end (the hydrogen end) is slightly positive.

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