Multiple Choice
How does the structure of water result in its polarity?
13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces
Molecular Polarity
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Which statement best describes why a water molecule is polar?
A
The hydrogen atoms are symmetrically arranged around the oxygen atom, canceling out any dipole moment.
B
The oxygen and hydrogen atoms share electrons equally, resulting in no net dipole moment.
C
The water molecule has a linear shape, leading to an even distribution of charge.
D
The oxygen atom has a higher electronegativity than the hydrogen atoms, creating a dipole moment.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of electronegativity: Electronegativity is the ability of an atom to attract shared electrons in a chemical bond. Oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen, meaning it attracts electrons more strongly.
Recognize the structure of a water molecule: A water molecule (H₂O) consists of two hydrogen atoms covalently bonded to one oxygen atom. The molecule has a bent shape due to the two lone pairs of electrons on the oxygen atom.
Analyze the distribution of electrons: Because oxygen is more electronegative, it pulls the shared electrons in the O-H bonds closer to itself, creating a partial negative charge (δ-) on the oxygen atom and a partial positive charge (δ+) on the hydrogen atoms.
Identify the molecular geometry: The bent shape of the water molecule means that the dipole moments from the two O-H bonds do not cancel out, resulting in an overall dipole moment for the molecule.
Conclude why water is polar: The combination of oxygen's higher electronegativity and the bent molecular shape leads to an uneven distribution of charge, making the water molecule polar with a net dipole moment.
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