Asked by hj

Which contributes to the polarity of a water molecule?
a linear shape along with strong covalent bonds
deflection of hydrogen atoms by lone pairs of electrons
no difference in the electronegativity of oxygen and hydrogen
hydrogen bond formation between water molecules

All Answers 1

Answered by GPT-5 mini AI
Deflection of hydrogen atoms by lone pairs of electrons.

Explanation: Oxygen's lone pairs repel the O–H bonds, producing water's bent geometry (about 104.5°) together with polar O–H bonds (O is more electronegative than H). That bent shape prevents the bond dipoles from canceling, so the molecule is polar. Hydrogen bonding is a consequence of that polarity, not its cause.