Question

Which of the following best explains the polarity of water (H2O)?

A. 

Protons are more attracted to the hydrogen atoms, so the hydrogen atoms become positively charged.

 B. 

Since the oxygen atom has more electrons than the hydrogen atoms, it is negatively charged.

 C. 

Electrons are more attracted to the oxygen atom, so there is a partial negative charge on the oxygen atom.

 D. 

Since there are two positive hydrogen atoms and only one negative oxygen atom, the water molecule is positively charged.

Answer 1

I would say letter C.
"the oxygen atom attracts electrons a bit more strongly than the hydrogen atoms. The unequal sharing of electrons gives the water molecule a slight negative charge near its oxygen atom and a slight positive charge near its hydrogen atoms." (middleschoolchemistry.com)

Answer 2

Answer: Option (C) is the correct answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

The chemical formula of water is
`H_(2)O`. This shows that there are two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.

As oxygen is being more electronegative in nature as compared to hydrogen atom. So, oxygen atom will tend to attract the electrons more towards itself.

As a result, a partial negative charge will develop on oxygen atom and a partial positive charge will develop on hydrogen atom.

This development of charges will make a molecule of water polar in nature.

Thus, we can conclude that the statement electrons are more attracted to the oxygen atom, so there is a partial negative charge on the oxygen atom, best explains the polarity of water.