Question

multiple - choice question
an oxygen atom in water
pushes electrons in the covalent bond closer
to hydrogen
pulls electrons in the covalent bond closer to
itself
does not like electrons
rewatch

Explanation:

In a water molecule (\(H_2O\)), oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen. Electronegativity is the ability of an atom to attract electrons in a covalent bond. Since oxygen is more electronegative, it pulls the shared electrons in the \(O - H\) covalent bond closer to itself. This creates a polar covalent bond where oxygen has a partial negative charge (\(\delta-\)) and hydrogen has a partial positive charge (\(\delta+\)). The option "pushes electrons in the covalent bond closer to hydrogen" is incorrect because oxygen's higher electronegativity means it attracts (pulls) electrons, not pushes them towards hydrogen. The option "does not like electrons" is a non - scientific and incorrect statement as atoms interact with electrons based on their chemical properties (like electronegativity).

Answer:

pulls electrons in the covalent bond closer to itself