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In a water molecule, the electrons in the polar covalent O-H bonds are pulled more toward the oxygen atom. What charge distribution results?
AA partial positive charge on oxygen and a partial negative charge on the hydrogens
BNo net charge distribution anywhere in the molecule
CA full (whole-unit) positive charge on the entire molecule
DA partial negative charge on oxygen and a partial positive charge on the hydrogen atoms
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: D. A partial negative charge on oxygen and a partial positive charge on the hydrogen atoms
1. In a polar covalent bond, the more electronegative atom pulls the shared electrons closer to itself, creating partial charges.
2. The text states: "Water is a polar molecule, with the hydrogen atoms acquiring a partial positive charge and the oxygen a partial negative" charge.
3. Oxygen, being more electronegative than hydrogen, ends up with the partial negative charge, while the hydrogens end up partially positive.
4. Water overall carries no net (whole-unit) charge -- it is these internal partial charges that make it a polar molecule, capable of hydrogen bonding.
_Source: OpenStax Biology Ch 2 "The Chemical Foundation of Life", p.41 §2.2 | Water_
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