Question

Question

What causes a water molecule to be polar?


A. The Oxygen atom is larger and stronger than the Hydrogen atoms so the electrons spend more of their time nearer the hydrogen


B. The Oxygen atom is smaller and weaker than the Hydrogen atoms so the electrons spend more of their time nearer the oxygen


C. The Oxygen atom is smaller and weaker than the Hydrogen atoms so the electrons spend more of their time nearer the hydrogen


D.The Oxygen atom is larger and stronger than the Hydrogen atoms so the electrons spend more of their time nearer the oxygen

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Step-by-step explanation:

Water molecules are polar because there structures are made up two sides; the positively charged side (the hydrogen side) and the negatively charged side (the oxygen side). The atoms in the water molecule are joined together by covalent bond - meaning there is sharing of electrons between the constituent atoms. The oxygen atom is bigger/larger (in size) and has a higher electronegativity (ability to attract electrons) hence, the electrons tend to spend more time around the oxygen than the hydrogen atom.