QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
Why is water considered a polar molecule?
A. The molecule has no overall charge.
B. The oxygen and hydrogen atoms share electrons equally.
C. The atoms in the molecule have partial charges.
D. The molecule can only attract positive charges.
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Answer
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Step 1:I'll solve this problem step by step, explaining the concept of polar molecules and water's molecular structure.
Step 2:: Understand Molecular Polarity
Molecular polarity is determined by the distribution of electrical charge within a molecule. This depends on the electronegativity differences between atoms and their geometric arrangement.
Step 3:: Examine Water's Molecular Structure
Water ($$H_2O$$) consists of:
- One oxygen atom - Two hydrogen atoms - Bent molecular geometry
Step 4:: Analyze Electronegativity
- Oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen - Oxygen pulls electron density more strongly toward itself - This creates an unequal electron distribution
Step 5:: Charge Distribution in Water
- Oxygen develops a partial negative charge ($$\delta^{-}$$)
- Hydrogen atoms develop partial positive charges (\delta^{+}) - This unequal charge distribution creates a molecular dipole
Step 6:: Evaluate the Answer Choices
- Choice A is incorrect: Water does have charge separation - Choice B is incorrect: Electrons are NOT shared equally - Choice C is CORRECT: The atoms have partial charges - Choice D is incorrect: Water can attract both positive and negative charges
Final Answer
The atoms in the molecule have partial charges. The key characteristic of water's polarity is the unequal electron distribution, creating partial positive and negative charges across the molecule.
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