Table of contents

1. Intro to General Chemistry3h 48m
2. Atoms & Elements4h 16m
3. Chemical Reactions4h 10m
4. BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
5. BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions48m
6. Chemical Quantities & Aqueous Reactions3h 53m
7. Gases3h 49m
8. Thermochemistry2h 37m
9. Quantum Mechanics2h 58m
10. Periodic Properties of the Elements3h 9m
11. Bonding & Molecular Structure3h 29m
12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory1h 57m
13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces2h 23m
14. Solutions3h 1m
15. Chemical Kinetics2h 53m
16. Chemical Equilibrium2h 29m
17. Acid and Base Equilibrium5h 1m
18. Aqueous Equilibrium4h 47m
19. Chemical Thermodynamics1h 50m
20. Electrochemistry2h 42m
21. Nuclear Chemistry2h 36m
22. Organic Chemistry5h 7m
23. Chemistry of the Nonmetals2h 39m
24. Transition Metals and Coordination Compounds3h 16m

13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces

Molecular Polarity

General Chemistry

13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces

Molecular Polarity

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Multiple Choice

Which statement best describes the polarity in a water molecule?

The water molecule is nonpolar due to symmetrical charge distribution.

The oxygen atom has a partial negative charge, and the hydrogen atoms have partial positive charges.

The hydrogen atoms have a partial negative charge, and the oxygen atom has a partial positive charge.

All atoms in the water molecule have equal charge distribution.

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of polarity: Polarity in a molecule arises from the difference in electronegativity between atoms, leading to an uneven distribution of electron density.

Identify the atoms in a water molecule: A water molecule (H₂O) consists of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.

Consider the electronegativity of the atoms: Oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen, meaning it attracts the shared electrons in the covalent bonds more strongly.

Analyze the charge distribution: Due to oxygen's higher electronegativity, the electrons are pulled closer to the oxygen atom, giving it a partial negative charge (δ-), while the hydrogen atoms have partial positive charges (δ+).

Conclude the polarity: The water molecule is polar because of the unequal charge distribution, with the oxygen atom having a partial negative charge and the hydrogen atoms having partial positive charges.