Which of the following best explains the polarity of water (H2O) ?

OA.

Since the oxygen atom has more electrons than the hydrogen atoms, it is negatively charged.

ОВ.

Electrons are more attracted to the oxygen atom, so there is a partial negative charge on the oxygen atom.

OC.

Since there are two positive hydrogen atoms and only one negative oxygen atom, the water molecule is positively

charged

OD

Protons are more attracted to the hydrogen atoms, so the hydrogen atoms become positively charged.

Question

Chemistry

Hugh Osborne

3 February, 02:12

Which of the following best explains the polarity of water (H2O) ?

OA.

Since the oxygen atom has more electrons than the hydrogen atoms, it is negatively charged.

ОВ.

Electrons are more attracted to the oxygen atom, so there is a partial negative charge on the oxygen atom.

OC.

Since there are two positive hydrogen atoms and only one negative oxygen atom, the water molecule is positively

charged

OD

Protons are more attracted to the hydrogen atoms, so the hydrogen atoms become positively charged.

+4

Answers (1)

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Pirate · Answer 1

B). Electrons are more attracted to the oxygen atom, so there is a partial negative charge on the oxygen atom.

Explanation:

The above statement most aptly describes the polarity or uneven distribution of the density of electrons. In water, two hydrogen atoms and one atom of oxygen leading to the formation of polar covalent bonds. Thus, there is the presence of a partial negative charge close to the oxygen atom and partial positive charge near the hydrogen atom as the former has unshared pair of electrons. This polarity of water allows it to dissolve sugar or other ionic substances in it. Thus, option B is the correct answer.