If oxygen and hydrogen had the same electronegativity, how would this affect the properties of water (H2O)?

• A. Water would have a higher boiling point because of stronger intermolecular forces.
• B. Water molecules would become nonpolar, reducing their ability to form hydrogen bonds.
• C. Water would become more acidic due to increased ionization.
• D. Water would conduct electricity better due to increased ionic character.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of electronegativity: Electronegativity is the tendency of an atom to attract electrons in a chemical bond. In water (H\_2O), oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen, which creates a polar molecule with partial positive and negative charges.
2. Analyze the effect of equal electronegativity: If oxygen and hydrogen had the same electronegativity, the electrons in the O-H bonds would be shared equally, making the bonds nonpolar.
3. Consider molecular polarity: Since the O-H bonds would be nonpolar, the overall water molecule would lose its polarity, becoming nonpolar as well.
4. Evaluate hydrogen bonding: Hydrogen bonding in water arises from the polarity of the molecule. Without polarity, water molecules would not form hydrogen bonds effectively.
5. Predict changes in physical properties: Without hydrogen bonding, water's unique properties such as high boiling point, surface tension, and solvent abilities would be significantly reduced.