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Multiple Choice
In a water molecule (H₂O), which atom carries a partial negative charge?
A
Neither hydrogen nor oxygen
B
Oxygen
C
Hydrogen
D
Both hydrogen and oxygen
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of electronegativity: Electronegativity is a measure of an atom's ability to attract and hold onto electrons. In a molecule, the atom with higher electronegativity will attract the shared electrons more strongly.
Identify the electronegativity values: Oxygen has a higher electronegativity compared to hydrogen. This means oxygen will attract the shared electrons in the H₂O molecule more strongly than hydrogen.
Analyze the electron distribution: In a water molecule, the electrons are shared between hydrogen and oxygen. However, due to oxygen's higher electronegativity, the electrons are pulled closer to the oxygen atom.
Determine the partial charges: Because the electrons are closer to the oxygen atom, it carries a partial negative charge (δ-), while the hydrogen atoms carry a partial positive charge (δ+).
Conclude which atom carries the partial negative charge: Based on the analysis of electronegativity and electron distribution, the oxygen atom in a water molecule carries the partial negative charge.