Multiple Choice
The partial negative charge in a molecule of water occurs because:
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11. Bonding & Molecular Structure
Chemical Bonds
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Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
The partial negative charge in a molecule of water occurs because _____.
A
the oxygen atom is more electronegative than the hydrogen atoms
B
the oxygen atom loses electrons to the hydrogen atoms
C
the water molecule is nonpolar
D
the hydrogen atoms attract electrons more strongly than oxygen
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of electronegativity, which is the tendency of an atom to attract electrons towards itself in a chemical bond.
Recognize that in a water molecule (H\_2O), oxygen and hydrogen atoms are bonded covalently, sharing electrons.
Compare the electronegativity values of oxygen and hydrogen; oxygen has a higher electronegativity than hydrogen.
Because oxygen is more electronegative, it attracts the shared electrons in the O-H bonds more strongly, causing a partial negative charge on the oxygen atom and partial positive charges on the hydrogen atoms.
Conclude that the partial negative charge on oxygen arises due to its greater electronegativity relative to hydrogen, not because oxygen loses electrons or because the molecule is nonpolar.
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