Which factor contributes to the polarity of a water molecule?

• A. The bent shape of the molecule
• B. The equal sharing of electrons between hydrogen and oxygen
• C. The presence of nonpolar covalent bonds
• D. The linear shape of the molecule

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that polarity in a molecule arises from the distribution of electrical charge across the molecule, which is influenced by both the shape of the molecule and the electronegativity of its atoms.
2. Recognize that water (H₂O) is composed of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. Oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen, meaning it attracts the shared electrons in the covalent bonds more strongly.
3. Consider the molecular geometry of water. Water has a bent shape due to the two lone pairs of electrons on the oxygen atom, which repel the hydrogen atoms and create an angle of about 104.5 degrees between the hydrogen-oxygen bonds.
4. Analyze how the bent shape of the water molecule contributes to its polarity. The unequal sharing of electrons and the bent shape result in a partial negative charge near the oxygen atom and a partial positive charge near the hydrogen atoms, creating a dipole moment.
5. Conclude that the bent shape of the water molecule, combined with the difference in electronegativity between oxygen and hydrogen, is the primary factor contributing to the polarity of the water molecule.