Explain why water is a polar molecule.
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for an explanation of the polarity of water molecules, which involves discussing the molecular structure and the distribution of charge within the molecule.
Answer
Water is a polar molecule because of its bent shape and the difference in electronegativity between oxygen and hydrogen atoms
The final answer is Water is a polar molecule because of its bent shape and the difference in electronegativity between oxygen and hydrogen atoms
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is Water is a polar molecule because of its bent shape and the difference in electronegativity between oxygen and hydrogen atoms
More Information
In a water molecule (H2O), the oxygen atom has a partial negative charge, and the hydrogen atoms have partial positive charges. The bent shape of the molecule ensures that the charges do not cancel out, resulting in an overall dipole moment.
Tips
A common mistake is thinking that water's polarity is due to the individual O-H bonds alone without considering the molecular shape.
Sources
- Water Chemistry - Polar Molecules and Hydrogen Bonds - chem.purdue.edu
