11
QuizMultiple Choice

Unit Test — Unit test

Question 11 • EO Chemistry 7320B

Which contributes to the polarity of a water molecule?

Answer
A
a linear shape along with strong covalent bonds
B
deflection of hydrogen atoms by lone pairs of electrons
C
no difference in the electronegativity of oxygen and hydrogen
D
hydrogen bond formation between water molecules

Explanation

Oxygen has two lone pairs that repel the bonding pairs, bending water into a V shape rather than a straight line. Oxygen is also more electronegative than hydrogen, so the O–H bond dipoles do not cancel and the molecule is polar. Thus, deflection of the hydrogen atoms by lone pairs contributes to water’s polarity.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

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