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In a water molecule, which atom has the strongest attraction for shared electrons?

A. hydrogen

B. oxygen

C. hydroxide ion

D. both atoms attract electrons with equal strength

E. neither atom attracts the electrons

2 Answers

3 votes

B-OXYGEN has the strongest attraction

User David Pascoal
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The answer is B, oxygen. Oxygen and hydrogen compose a water molecule, and since water molecules have a bent molecular geometry and oxygen is significantly more electronegative, the molecule is also polar. Oxygen attracts the shared electron, creating a negative pole, and the hydrogen areas of the molecule form a positive pole.
User Yunus ER
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