Question

study the structure of water molecules.
which statement best explains the attraction between water molecules?
the partially positive oxygen atom of a water molecule and the partially negative hydrogen atom of another water molecule repel one another.
the partially positive oxygen atom of a water molecule and the partially negative hydrogen atom of another water molecule attract one another.
the partially negative oxygen atom of a water molecule and the partially positive hydrogen atom of another water molecule attract one another.
the partially negative oxygen

Explanation:

To determine the correct statement, we analyze the polarity of water molecules. A water molecule (\(H_2O\)) has a partially negative (\(\delta^-\)) oxygen atom (due to higher electronegativity) and partially positive (\(\delta^+\)) hydrogen atoms. Intermolecular attraction in water is due to hydrogen bonding, where the partially negative oxygen of one molecule is attracted to the partially positive hydrogen of another.

• The first option is incorrect as it mentions repulsion and misidentifies oxygen as partially positive (it's partially negative) and hydrogen as partially negative (it's partially positive).
• The second option is incorrect as oxygen is partially negative, not positive.
• The third option is correct: the partially negative oxygen of one water molecule attracts the partially positive hydrogen of another water molecule.
• The fourth option is cut off, but from the visible part, it likely has an error (assuming it misstates the interaction).

Answer:

The partially negative oxygen atom of a water molecule and the partially positive hydrogen atom of another water molecule attract one another.