In a water molecule, the most electronegative atom is:

• A. Oxygen
• B. Hydrogen
• C. Carbon
• D. Nitrogen

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of electronegativity: Electronegativity is the tendency of an atom to attract electrons towards itself in a chemical bond.
2. Recall the atoms present in a water molecule: Water (H\_2O) consists of hydrogen and oxygen atoms.
3. Compare the electronegativities of the atoms involved: Oxygen has a higher electronegativity than hydrogen, carbon, and nitrogen.
4. Use the periodic table to verify electronegativity values: Oxygen is located in period 2, group 16, and is known to be highly electronegative.
5. Conclude that in a water molecule, oxygen is the most electronegative atom because it attracts the shared electrons more strongly than hydrogen.