Asked by Kluaymaii Kattaleeya on Jun 02, 2024
Verified
A water molecule is polar but has no charge. What makes water molecules polar and how does this polarity contribute to hydrogen bonding?
Polarity
The property of having distinct and opposite directions or poles, used in various scientific contexts, such as molecular polarity, cell polarity, and electrical polarity.
Hydrogen Bonding
A type of weak chemical bond that is formed between the hydrogen atom in one molecule and an electronegative atom in another molecule.
Water Molecules
The smallest unit of water (H2O), consisting of two hydrogen atoms covalently bonded to a single oxygen atom, essential for life and all known forms of chemistry.
- Understand the significance of molecular polarity and hydrogen bonding in water.
Verified Answer
RC
Rafael CamposJun 04, 2024
Final Answer :
Each of the hydrogen atoms in a water molecule bears a slight positive charge and the oxygen atom carries a slight negative charge, making water polar. This happens due to polar covalent bonds between oxygen and hydrogen. Oxygen is a slightly more electronegative than hydrogen. It pulls the electrons a little more toward its side of the bond, so that atom bears a slight negative charge. Therefore, the hydrogen bears a slight positive charge.
The polarity of individual water molecules attracts them to one another. The slight positive charge of a hydrogen atom in one water molecule is drawn to the slight negative charge of an oxygen atom in another. This type of interaction is called a hydrogen bond.
The polarity of individual water molecules attracts them to one another. The slight positive charge of a hydrogen atom in one water molecule is drawn to the slight negative charge of an oxygen atom in another. This type of interaction is called a hydrogen bond.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the significance of molecular polarity and hydrogen bonding in water.