A water molecule has a positive end and a negative end. This makes it a _______.

• A. polar molecule
• B. ionic compound
• C. nonpolar molecule
• D. metallic substance

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of molecular polarity: A molecule is polar if it has a separation of electric charge leading to positive and negative ends (dipoles).
2. Recognize that water (H\_2O) has an uneven distribution of electrons because oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen, causing partial negative charge near oxygen and partial positive charges near hydrogens.
3. Recall that this uneven charge distribution creates a dipole moment, meaning the molecule has distinct positive and negative ends.
4. Identify that molecules with such dipole moments are called polar molecules, distinguishing them from nonpolar molecules which have an even charge distribution.
5. Conclude that since water has a positive end and a negative end, it is classified as a polar molecule.