Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the term 'diploid' in the context of atomic structure?
11. Bonding & Molecular Structure
Dipole Moment
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Why does a water molecule have a partial negative charge at the oxygen atom and partial positive charges at the hydrogen atoms?
A
Because the molecule is symmetrical, leading to an even distribution of charge.
B
Because oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen, creating a dipole moment.
C
Because the hydrogen atoms share electrons equally with the oxygen atom.
D
Because hydrogen is more electronegative than oxygen, creating a dipole moment.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of electronegativity: Electronegativity is a measure of an atom's ability to attract and hold onto electrons. In a chemical bond, the atom with higher electronegativity will attract the shared electrons more strongly.
Identify the electronegativity values: Oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen. This means that in a water molecule, the oxygen atom will attract the shared electrons more strongly than the hydrogen atoms.
Analyze the distribution of electrons: Due to oxygen's higher electronegativity, the shared electrons in the O-H bonds are pulled closer to the oxygen atom, resulting in a partial negative charge on the oxygen atom.
Consider the hydrogen atoms: As the electrons are pulled towards the oxygen, the hydrogen atoms are left with a partial positive charge because they have less electron density around them.
Understand the concept of dipole moment: The unequal distribution of electron density creates a dipole moment in the water molecule, with the oxygen end being partially negative and the hydrogen ends being partially positive.
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