Which atom in the water molecule is negatively charged

General
1

which atom in the water molecule is negatively charged

2

Which atom in the water molecule is negatively charged?

Answer:
In a water molecule (\text{H}_2\text{O}), the oxygen atom is negatively charged.

Detailed Explanation:

The water molecule consists of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. The structure of a water molecule is bent (angular), with the oxygen atom at the center and the hydrogen atoms at the ends of the two hydrogen-oxygen bonds. This bent shape is due to the two lone pairs of electrons on the oxygen atom.

  1. Electronegativity Difference:

    • Electronegativity refers to the ability of an atom to attract shared electrons in a covalent bond.
    • Oxygen has a significantly higher electronegativity (3.44 on the Pauling scale) compared to hydrogen (2.20 on the Pauling scale).

  2. Polarity of the Bonds:

    • Due to the difference in electronegativity, the electrons in each of the hydrogen-oxygen covalent bonds are more strongly attracted to the oxygen atom.
    • This results in a polar covalent bond where the electron density is higher around the oxygen atom, making it partially negative (denoted as \delta^-).

  3. Distribution of Charge:

    • The hydrogen atoms, having a lower electronegativity, are partially positively charged (denoted as \delta^+).
    • The overall molecule has a dipole moment with the oxygen end being more negatively charged and the hydrogen end being more positively charged.

  4. Molecular Dipole:

    • The unequal distribution of electron density in the water molecule creates a dipole moment, which makes water a polar molecule.

Summary:
The oxygen atom in the water molecule (\text{H}_2\text{O}) is negatively charged due to its higher electronegativity, which attracts the bonding electrons more strongly than the hydrogen atoms.

Diagram (optional for better understanding)

To visualize this, consider the following schematic representation of the water molecule:

    δ+      δ-
    H — O
       / 
     δ+
     H

In this schematic:

  • \delta^+ indicates a partial positive charge on hydrogen.
  • \delta^- indicates a partial negative charge on oxygen.

This polar nature of the water molecule imparts various unique properties to water, such as high surface tension, a high boiling point, and its ability to dissolve many solutes.