Question

in a water molecule, how do the electrical charges compare between oxygen and hydrogen atoms?
the oxygen atom is slightly positive in charge,
while the hydrogen atoms are are slightly
negative in charge.
the oxygen and hydrogen atoms are both
neutral in charge.
the oxygen atom is slightly negative in charge,
while the hydrogen atoms are slightly positive in
charge
the oxygen and hydrogen atoms are both
slightly negative in charge.

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 chemical bond. Due to oxygen's higher electronegativity, it pulls the shared electrons in the \(O - H\) bonds closer to itself. This results in the oxygen atom having a partial negative charge (\(\delta-\)) and the hydrogen atoms having partial positive charges (\(\delta+\)).

• Option a is incorrect because it has the charges reversed.
• Option b is incorrect as the molecule is polar (charges are not neutral due to the electronegativity difference).
• Option d is incorrect as hydrogen atoms are not slightly negative.

Answer:

C. The oxygen atom is slightly negative in charge, while the hydrogen atoms are slightly positive in charge.