Multiple Choice
Which statement best describes the polarity in a water molecule?
13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces
Molecular Polarity
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Is the molecule H2O polar or nonpolar?
A
Nonpolar
B
Polar
Verified step by step guidance1
First, understand the concept of molecular polarity. A molecule is polar if it has a net dipole moment due to the presence of polar bonds and an asymmetrical shape.
Identify the type of bonds in the molecule. Water (H2O) has polar covalent bonds because oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen, creating a partial negative charge on the oxygen and a partial positive charge on the hydrogens.
Examine the molecular geometry of H2O. Water has a bent shape due to the two lone pairs of electrons on the oxygen atom, which causes the hydrogen-oxygen-hydrogen bond angle to be approximately 104.5 degrees.
Determine the symmetry of the molecule. The bent shape of H2O means that the dipole moments of the polar bonds do not cancel out, resulting in a net dipole moment.
Conclude that due to the polar bonds and the asymmetrical shape, H2O is a polar molecule.
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