Question

water is made of one oxygen atom covalently bonded to two hydrogen atoms. the resulting water molecule is polar, or has an uneven distribution of electrons. this means that part of the water molecule is slightly negatively charged (δ-), and another part is slightly positively charged (δ+).
the models show the chemical structure of water.

complete the paragraph to explain why water is a polar molecule.

in a molecule of water, each hydrogen atom shares
of electrons with the oxygen atom. oxygen also has
nonbonding pairs of valence electrons. because valence electrons are less attracted to hydrogens nucleus than to oxygens nucleus, the hydrogen atoms have a slightly
charge and the oxygen atom has a slightly
charge.

Explanation:

• In a water molecule (\(H_2O\)), each hydrogen atom shares a pair of electrons with the oxygen atom (forming a covalent bond).
• Oxygen has two non - bonding pairs of valence electrons.
• Due to the higher electronegativity of oxygen (compared to hydrogen), valence electrons are more attracted to the oxygen nucleus. So, hydrogen atoms have a slightly positive charge (\(\delta+\)) and the oxygen atom has a slightly negative charge (\(\delta-\)).

Answer:

In a molecule of water, each hydrogen atom shares a pair of electrons with the oxygen atom. Oxygen also has two nonbonding pairs of valence electrons. Because valence electrons are less attracted to hydrogen's nucleus than to oxygen's nucleus, the hydrogen atoms have a slightly positive charge and the oxygen atom has a slightly negative charge.