Question

Identify the bond that causes the uneven distribution of charges within one water molecule.

1) Hydrogen bond, which causes the partial positive end of one molecule to be attracted to the partial negative end of a separate molecule
2) Polar covalent bond, which causes the atoms within a molecule to share electrons to form bonds
3) Ionic bond, which causes the atoms within a molecule to gain and lose electrons to form bonds
4) Metallic bond, which causes atoms to clump together and allow charges to flow over larger distances throughout the network of atoms

Answer 1

The polar covalent bond between the oxygen and hydrogen atoms in a water molecule causes an uneven distribution of charges, resulting in the formation of hydrogen bonds.

Step-by-step explanation:

In a water molecule, the polar covalent bond between the oxygen and hydrogen atoms causes an uneven distribution of charges. The oxygen atom has a higher electronegativity, meaning it attracts the shared electrons more strongly than hydrogen. As a result, the oxygen atom gains a partial negative charge (6-) and the hydrogen atoms acquire a partial positive charge (+). This unequal charge distribution within a water molecule leads to the formation of hydrogen bonds between neighboring molecules.