Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
What property of the bond between a Hydrogen (H) atom and an Oxygen (O) atom in a molecule of water makes it a polar bond?
A
O and H are equally electronegative.
B
O is more electronegative than H.
C
H is more electronegative than O.
D
Water molecules form ionic bonds with one another.
E
Hydrogen bonds form between H and O.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of electronegativity: Electronegativity is the ability of an atom to attract electrons towards itself in a chemical bond. Different elements have different electronegativities.
Identify the electronegativities of the elements involved: In a water molecule, the elements are Hydrogen (H) and Oxygen (O). Oxygen is more electronegative than Hydrogen.
Determine the type of bond formed: When two atoms with different electronegativities form a bond, the electrons are not shared equally. This results in a polar covalent bond.
Explain the polarity of the bond: In a polar covalent bond, the more electronegative atom (Oxygen) attracts the shared electrons more strongly, creating a partial negative charge on the Oxygen and a partial positive charge on the Hydrogen.
Conclude why the bond is polar: The difference in electronegativity between Oxygen and Hydrogen leads to an unequal sharing of electrons, making the bond polar. This is why the bond between Hydrogen and Oxygen in water is considered a polar bond.