Question

The electronegative oxygen that is central to a water molecule is __________ bound to two hydrogen atoms. These hydrogens are 'bent' to form a 105° angle because _________
a.) ionically, four of the outer e- about oxygen are shared with hydrogens

b.) covalently, four of the outer e- about oxygen are shared with hydrogens

c.) covalently, of hydrogen bonding with other water molecules

d.) ionically, of hydrogen bonding with other molecules

Answer 1

Answer: Option (b) is the correct answer.

Explanation:

When an atom is attached to another atom through sharing of electrons then bond formed between the atoms is known as a covalent bond. And, a bond formed by transfer of electrons from one atom to another is known as an ionic bond.

For example, electronic configuration of hydrogen is $1s^{1}$ and electronic configuration of oxygen is $1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^{4}$. So, in order to attain stability hydrogen needs 1 more electron and an oxygen atom needs two electrons.

Therefore, two hydrogen atoms need to covalently bond through an oxygen atom leading to the formation of $H_{2}O$.

Thus, we can conclude that the electronegative oxygen that is central to a water molecule is covalently bound to two hydrogen atoms. These hydrogens are 'bent' to form a $105^{o}$ angle because four of the outer e- about oxygen are shared with hydrogens.