Question

the diagram above represents a particle in aqueous solution. which of the following statements about the particle is correct? a the particle must be a cation because the negative end of each water molecule is pointed toward it. b the particle must be an anion because the positive end of each water molecule is pointed toward it. c the charge of the particle cannot be determined because water molecules have no net charge. d the charge of the particle cannot be determined because the water molecules are arranged symmetrically and their partial charges cancel.

Explanation:

In the diagram, water molecules are oriented around a particle. Water is a polar molecule with a partial - negative end and a partial - positive end. If the negative ends of water molecules are pointed towards a particle, the particle is likely to be a cation (positively charged). If the positive ends of water molecules are pointed towards a particle, the particle is likely to be an anion (negatively charged). Here, the negative end of each water molecule is pointed towards the particle, so it must be a cation.

Answer:

A. The particle must be a cation because the negative end of each water molecule is pointed toward it.