Question

question 27 of 10 which statement best explains why a water molecule (h2o) is polar? a. the oxygen atom is more electronegative than the hydrogen atoms, and the molecule has an asymmetrical, bent shape. b. it is a liquid at room temperature, and all liquids are polar. c. electrons are shared equally between the oxygen and hydrogen atoms. d. the molecule has a symmetrical linear shape, allowing charges to be balanced.

Explanation:

Polarity in a molecule is due to unequal sharing of electrons caused by differences in electronegativity and an asymmetrical shape. Oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen in water, and the water molecule has a bent shape. This leads to a separation of charge, making it polar. Option B is incorrect as not all liquids are polar. Option C is wrong because electrons are not shared equally in water. Option D is incorrect since water has a bent, not linear, shape.

Answer:

A. The oxygen atom is more electronegative than the hydrogen atoms, and the molecule has an asymmetrical, bent shape.