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Multiple Choice
Is the molecule H2O polar or nonpolar?
A
Nonpolar
B
Polar
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the molecular geometry of H2O. Water (H2O) has a bent shape due to the two lone pairs of electrons on the oxygen atom.
Consider the electronegativity of the atoms involved. Oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen, which means it will attract the shared electrons more strongly.
Determine the direction of the dipole moments. In H2O, the dipole moments point from the hydrogen atoms towards the oxygen atom due to the difference in electronegativity.
Analyze the symmetry of the molecule. The bent shape of H2O means that the dipole moments do not cancel out, resulting in a net dipole moment.
Conclude that because of the net dipole moment and the asymmetrical shape, H2O is a polar molecule.