Question

The partial negative charge in a molecule of water occurs because ________. a. the electrons shared between the oxygen and hydrogen atoms spend more time around the oxygen atom nucleus than around the hydrogen atom nucleus b. the oxygen atom donates an electron to each of the hydrogen atoms c. one of the hydrogen atoms donates an electron to the oxygen atom d. the oxygen atom has two pairs of electrons in its valence shell that are not neutralized by hydrogen atoms

Answer 1

Answer:

a. the electrons shared between the oxygen and hydrogen atoms spend more time around the oxygen atom nucleus than around the hydrogen atom nucleus.

Explanation:

Water molecule is a polar molecule , and hence , the atom can attain the respective partial positive and negative charge on them .

The difference in the electronegativity gives rise to the partial positive and negative charge .

Since , oxygen atom is more electronegative in comparison to hydrogen atom , and hence , slightly pulls the electrons towards itself , and attains partial negative charge , and correspondingly , the hydrogen atom attains partial positive charge .

Hence , from the question ,

The correct option is a.