The water molecule has a dipole with the negative portion
A)pointing from the oxygen through the hydrogen atoms.
B)localized between the hydrogen atoms.
C)localized on one of the hydrogens.
D)pointing toward the oxygen atom.
E)surrounding the molecule.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The water molecule has a polar covalent bond between the oxygen and hydrogen atoms. Oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen, so the shared electrons are pulled closer to the oxygen atom, giving it a partial negative charge (δ-). The hydrogen atoms have a partial positive charge (δ+). Therefore, the dipole moment of the water molecule is from the hydrogen atoms towards the oxygen atom, making option D the correct answer.

The Water Molecule Has a Dipole with the Negative Portion