In a water molecule (H₂O), which atom has a slightly negative charge?

• A. Oxygen
• B. Hydrogen

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that in a water molecule (H₂O), there are two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.
2. Recall that oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen. Electronegativity is the tendency of an atom to attract electrons towards itself.
3. In a covalent bond, the more electronegative atom will attract the shared electrons more strongly, causing a partial negative charge on that atom.
4. Since oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen, the shared electrons in the O-H bonds are pulled closer to the oxygen atom.
5. As a result, the oxygen atom in a water molecule carries a slightly negative charge, while the hydrogen atoms carry a slightly positive charge.