Question

Which of the following options best explains the observation that a jet of water is deflected by a charged (negative) plastic rod, while a jet of hexane (C_6H_14) is not?

A) Water molecules have a polar electron pair bond, while hexane molecules do not.
B) Water molecules have a higher electronegativity than hexane molecules.
C) Water molecules exhibit stronger intermolecular interactions than hexane molecules.
D) Water molecules possess a dipole moment, while hexane molecules do not.

Answer 1

The observation that a jet of water is deflected while a jet of hexane is not can be explained by the fact that water molecules possess a dipole moment, while hexane molecules do not.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best option that explains the observation that a jet of water is deflected by a charged (negative) plastic rod, while a jet of hexane (C6H14) is not is option D) Water molecules possess a dipole moment, while hexane molecules do not. Water molecules, being polar, have a separation of charge due to the boomerang shape of the molecule. This makes the oxygen end of the water molecule slightly negative and the hydrogen ends slightly positive. The dipole moment of water allows it to interact with external charges and fields, leading to its deflection by a charged plastic rod. On the other hand, hexane molecules are nonpolar, meaning they do not possess a dipole moment, and therefore, they do not interact with the charged plastic rod.