Question
Which of the following is correct regarding the chemical bond between the hydrogen and oxygen atoms in a water molecule?
Answers
GPT-4o mini
In a water molecule (H₂O), the bond between the hydrogen and oxygen atoms is a polar covalent bond. This means that:
1. **Covalent Bonding**: The hydrogen atoms and the oxygen atom share electrons, which is characteristic of covalent bonds.
2. **Polar Nature**: Oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen, meaning it has a stronger tendency to attract electrons. This results in a partial negative charge (δ-) on the oxygen atom and a partial positive charge (δ+) on the hydrogen atoms.
3. **Molecular Geometry**: The molecule has a bent shape due to the two lone pairs of electrons on the oxygen atom, which repulse the hydrogen atoms.
These properties contribute to water's unique characteristics, such as its solvent abilities and high surface tension.
1. **Covalent Bonding**: The hydrogen atoms and the oxygen atom share electrons, which is characteristic of covalent bonds.
2. **Polar Nature**: Oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen, meaning it has a stronger tendency to attract electrons. This results in a partial negative charge (δ-) on the oxygen atom and a partial positive charge (δ+) on the hydrogen atoms.
3. **Molecular Geometry**: The molecule has a bent shape due to the two lone pairs of electrons on the oxygen atom, which repulse the hydrogen atoms.
These properties contribute to water's unique characteristics, such as its solvent abilities and high surface tension.