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Question

Why the electrons in the H - O bonds in water are not shared equally by the hydrogen and oxygen atoms?

A
Hydrogen is more electronegative than oxygen
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B
Both hydrogen and oxygen are equally electronegative
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C
Oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen
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D
None of above
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Solution

The correct option is C Oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen
Because oxygen (EN=3.44) is much more electronegative than hydrogen (EN=2.20), the electrons in the H-O bonds in water aren't shared equally by the hydrogen and oxygen atoms. These electrons are drawn toward the oxygen atom in the center of the molecule and away from the hydrogen atoms on either end. As a result, the water molecule is polar. The oxygen atom carries a partial negative charge (delta-), and the hydrogen atoms carry a partial positive charge (delta+).

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