Chapter 25, Problem 104A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The question is to identify the location of any partial positive and partial negative charges on the molecule to explain how the partial charges and their locations produce an attraction between different water molecules.

Concept Introduction: Water's polarity produces a little positive charge on hydrogen and a slight negative charge on oxygen, which helps explain why water has attractive characteristics. Because oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen, or electron loving, the charges in water are produced.

Answer to Problem 104A

Oxygen acquires a partial negative charge and Hydrogen acquires a partial positive charge.

Explanation of Solution

Given information:

The structure of water molecule is given:

  

The slightly positive hydrogen atoms repel one another and produce a distinctive shape as a result of their charges.

The positive and negative charges in the various parts of each water molecule cause them to attract other water molecules.

  

Conclusion

Hence, Oxygen acquires a partial negative charge and Hydrogen acquires a partial positive charge.