Question

question 3

explain why water is considered a polar molecule.

the entire molecule is slightly negatively charged.

the hydrogen side is slightly positively charged and the oxygen side is slightly negatively charged.

the entire molecule is slightly positively charged.

the entire molecule is neutrally charged.

Explanation:

Analyze the definition of polarity

Polarity refers to the unequal distribution of electric charges within a molecule.

Examine the water molecule structure

Water \((\text{H}_2\text{O})\) consists of one oxygen atom and two hydrogen atoms.

Compare electronegativity of atoms

Oxygen is highly electronegative compared to hydrogen, pulling shared electrons closer.

Identify partial charges

This unequal sharing creates partial negative charges on oxygen and positive on hydrogen.

Evaluate the given options

The second option correctly describes this uneven charge distribution across the molecule.

Answer:

• The entire molecule is slightly negatively charged.
• The hydrogen side is slightly positively charged and the oxygen side is slightly negatively charged. (Correct answer)
• The entire molecule is slightly positively charged.
• The entire molecule is neutrally charged.