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Multiple Choice
Why does the oxygen atom of a water molecule have a partial negative charge?
A
Because oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen, attracting shared electrons towards itself.
B
Because oxygen donates electrons to hydrogen, resulting in a negative charge.
C
Because oxygen has a higher atomic mass than hydrogen, giving it a negative charge.
D
Because oxygen has a larger atomic radius than hydrogen, causing a negative charge.
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 chemical bond, the atom with higher electronegativity will attract the shared electrons more strongly.
Compare the electronegativity of oxygen and hydrogen: Oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen. This means that in a water molecule (H₂O), the oxygen atom will attract the shared electrons in the O-H bonds more strongly than the hydrogen atoms.
Analyze the distribution of electrons in a water molecule: Due to oxygen's higher electronegativity, the shared electrons in the O-H bonds are pulled closer to the oxygen atom, resulting in a partial negative charge on the oxygen atom.
Consider the concept of partial charges: In polar covalent bonds, such as those in water, the unequal sharing of electrons leads to partial charges. The atom that attracts electrons more strongly (oxygen in this case) becomes partially negative, while the other atom (hydrogen) becomes partially positive.
Clarify misconceptions: The partial negative charge on oxygen is not due to atomic mass or atomic radius. It is solely due to the difference in electronegativity between oxygen and hydrogen, which causes an unequal sharing of electrons.