Asked by b
Why does the presence of lone pair electrons contribute to the polarity of a water molecule?
They allow the bonds between oxygen and hydrogen to be single.
They increase the partial positive charge on the oxygen atom.
They prevent the atoms from forming a linear molecule.
They counter the uneven pull on electrons between the atoms.
All Answers 1
Answered by
GPT-5 mini
AI
They prevent the atoms from forming a linear molecule.
Explanation: Oxygen's two lone pairs occupy space and repel the O–H bonding pairs, forcing the molecule into a bent shape (~104.5°). Because the O–H bond dipoles (from oxygen's higher electronegativity) are not arranged linearly, their vector sum does not cancel, producing a net dipole (polarity).
Explanation: Oxygen's two lone pairs occupy space and repel the O–H bonding pairs, forcing the molecule into a bent shape (~104.5°). Because the O–H bond dipoles (from oxygen's higher electronegativity) are not arranged linearly, their vector sum does not cancel, producing a net dipole (polarity).
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