The partial negative charge in a molecule of water occurs because:

• A. the oxygen atom is more electronegative than the hydrogen atoms
• B. the water molecule has a linear geometry
• C. the oxygen atom loses electrons to the hydrogen atoms
• D. the hydrogen atoms attract electrons more strongly than oxygen

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of electronegativity, which is the tendency of an atom to attract electrons towards itself in a chemical bond.
2. Recognize that in a water molecule (H\_2O), oxygen and hydrogen atoms are bonded covalently, sharing electrons.
3. Compare the electronegativity values of oxygen and hydrogen; oxygen is more electronegative, meaning it attracts the shared electrons more strongly.
4. Because oxygen attracts electrons more strongly, the shared electrons spend more time closer to the oxygen atom, creating a partial negative charge (δ-) on oxygen and partial positive charges (δ+) on the hydrogens.
5. Note that the geometry of the molecule (bent shape) also contributes to the polarity, but the key reason for the partial negative charge on oxygen is its higher electronegativity compared to hydrogen.