Question

which statements accurately describe the polarity and electronegativity of water?

• strong covalent bonds are formed between two or more water molecules.
• the atoms of the water molecule are held together by covalent bonds.
• the oxygen atom in a water molecule is strongly electronegative.
• a water molecule is polar, but it has no net charge.
• water has nonpolar bonds, but it has a bent shape and is therefore polar.

Explanation:

• Strong covalent bonds between water molecules: Incorrect, as intermolecular bonds are hydrogen bonds, not covalent.
• Atoms in water held by covalent bonds: Correct, O-H bonds are covalent.
• Oxygen in water is strongly electronegative: Correct, oxygen has high electronegativity (~3.44).
• Water is polar with no net charge: Correct, polarity arises from unequal electron sharing, but overall neutral.
• Water has nonpolar bonds: Incorrect, O-H bonds are polar due to electronegativity difference.

Answer:

The atoms of the water molecule are held together by covalent bonds., The oxygen atom in a water molecule is strongly electronegative., A water molecule is polar, but it has no net charge.