Which of the following best describes the charge on the oxygen side of a water molecule (H_2O)?

• A. Neutral
• B. Slightly positive
• C. Slightly negative

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the molecular structure of water (H\_2O), which consists of two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom with a bent shape due to the electron pair geometry.
2. Understand that oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen, meaning it attracts the shared electrons in the covalent bonds more strongly.
3. Because of this unequal sharing of electrons, the electron density around the oxygen atom is higher, giving it a partial negative charge.
4. Conversely, the hydrogen atoms have less electron density around them, resulting in a partial positive charge on the hydrogen side.
5. Therefore, the oxygen side of the water molecule is best described as having a slightly negative charge.