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Multiple Choice
The partial charges on a water molecule occur because of __________.
A
the achievement of a stable configuration by one atom of a bond but not by the other partner
B
covalent bonding
C
widespread ionization
D
the unequal sharing of electrons between the hydrogen and the oxygen atoms of a water molecule
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that a water molecule (H2O) consists of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom bonded together.
Recognize that the bond between hydrogen and oxygen in a water molecule is a covalent bond, where electrons are shared between atoms.
Identify that oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen, meaning it has a stronger tendency to attract electrons.
Realize that due to oxygen's higher electronegativity, the shared electrons in the covalent bond are pulled closer to the oxygen atom, creating a partial negative charge on the oxygen.
Acknowledge that this unequal sharing of electrons results in a partial positive charge on the hydrogen atoms, leading to the polar nature of the water molecule with partial charges on different ends.