Multiple Choice
Determine if carbon dioxide, CO2, is polar or nonpolar.
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10. Chemical Bonding
Molecular Polarity (Simplified)
Multiple Choice
In a water molecule, , which atom carries a partial positive charge () due to oxygen being more electronegative?
A
Hydrogen (H) atoms
B
Both hydrogen and oxygen atoms are partially positive
C
Oxygen (O) atom
D
Neither atom is charged because water is neutral
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of electronegativity, which is the tendency of an atom to attract electrons towards itself in a chemical bond.
Recognize that in a water molecule (H\_2O), oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen, meaning oxygen pulls the shared electrons closer to itself.
Because electrons spend more time near oxygen, oxygen acquires a partial negative charge (\$\(\delta\)^-\$), while the hydrogen atoms acquire partial positive charges (\$\(\delta\)^+\$).
Identify that the partial positive charge (\$\(\delta\)^+\$) is carried by the hydrogen atoms due to the unequal sharing of electrons caused by oxygen's higher electronegativity.
Conclude that in the water molecule, the hydrogen atoms carry the partial positive charge, while the oxygen atom carries the partial negative charge.
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