In a water molecule (H_2O), which atom carries a partial negative charge?

• A. Hydrogen
• B. Both hydrogen and oxygen
• C. Oxygen
• D. Neither hydrogen nor oxygen

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of electronegativity, which is the tendency of an atom to attract electrons in a chemical bond.
2. Recognize that in a water molecule (H\_2O), oxygen and hydrogen atoms are bonded covalently, but oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen.
3. Because oxygen is more electronegative, it pulls the shared electrons in the O-H bonds closer to itself, creating an uneven distribution of electron density.
4. This uneven electron distribution causes oxygen to carry a partial negative charge (δ-) and each hydrogen to carry a partial positive charge (δ+).
5. Therefore, the atom in the water molecule that carries the partial negative charge is oxygen.