Chemical Bonding in Water (H2O)

Questions and Answers

Covalent bond

Because oxygen is a more electronegative atom

Hydrogen bonds

Partial negative charge Signup and view all the answers

Hydrogen bonds Signup and view all the answers

Electronegativity Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Water (H2O) is composed of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.
The bond between oxygen and hydrogen atoms is a covalent bond, where electrons are shared between atoms.
Each hydrogen atom shares two electrons with the oxygen atom to form a single covalent bond.

The bond between oxygen and hydrogen atoms is polar covalent, meaning the electrons are not shared equally.
Oxygen, being a more electronegative atom, pulls the shared electrons closer to itself, resulting in a partial positive charge on the hydrogen atoms.
This creates a slight positive charge on the hydrogen atoms and a slight negative charge on the oxygen atom.

The unequal sharing of electrons and the resulting partial charges create a molecular dipole, making the water molecule (H2O) polar.
The polarity of water is responsible for its unique physical and chemical properties, such as high surface tension and ability to dissolve a wide range of substances.

The partial positive charge on hydrogen atoms and the partial negative charge on the oxygen atom allow water molecules to form hydrogen bonds with each other.
Hydrogen bonds are weak electrostatic attractions between molecules, which play a crucial role in the structure and properties of water.
Hydrogen bonds are responsible for the high boiling point and surface tension of water, as well as its ability to dissolve ionic compounds.

Water molecule is composed of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.
Covalent bonds are formed between oxygen and hydrogen atoms by sharing electrons.
Each hydrogen atom shares two electrons with the oxygen atom to form a single covalent bond.

The covalent bond between oxygen and hydrogen is polar, meaning electrons are not shared equally.
Oxygen's higher electronegativity pulls shared electrons closer, resulting in a partial positive charge on hydrogen atoms and a partial negative charge on the oxygen atom.

The unequal sharing of electrons creates a molecular dipole, making the water molecule (H2O) polar.
The polarity of water is responsible for its unique physical and chemical properties, such as high surface tension and ability to dissolve a wide range of substances.

Partial positive charge on hydrogen atoms and partial negative charge on oxygen atoms allow water molecules to form hydrogen bonds.
Hydrogen bonds are weak electrostatic attractions between molecules.
Hydrogen bonds contribute to water's high boiling point and surface tension, as well as its ability to dissolve ionic compounds.