Question

Which statement explains the polarity of a water molecule?

Answer 1

Answer:

D. The oxygen side is partially negative because electrons are pulled toward the oxygen side.

Explanation:

The water molecule is polar by the virtue of covalent bonds and the hydrogen bonds within and between its molecule.

The oxygen side is partially negative because the electrons are pulled toward the oxygen side.

Between oxygen and hydrogen that makes up the water molecule, oxygen is more electronegative.

An electronegative atom has more affinity for electrons. Since the electrons in the molecule of water is shared between hydrogen and oxygen, the more electronegative specie which is water draws the electron more to itself.

This leaves a net negative charge on the oxygen atom.