BIO NMDCAT Biological Importance of Water
nmdcat.online June 27, 2026

The polarity of a water molecule is a direct consequence of

A. The linear arrangement of its two hydrogen atoms
B. The equal sharing of electrons between oxygen and hydrogen
C. The bent geometry and the higher electronegativity of the oxygen atom
D. The presence of strong ionic bonds holding the atoms together

📝 Explanation

Water has a V-shaped bent geometry (104.5° bond angle). Oxygen's higher electronegativity pulls shared electrons closer, creating a partial negative charge (δ⁻) on oxygen and partial positive charges (δ⁺) on hydrogens. The bonds are polar covalent, not ionic, and the unequal sharing creates a molecular dipole.

📖 Additional Information

  • The linear arrangement of its two hydrogen atoms
  • The equal sharing of electrons between oxygen and hydrogen
  • The bent geometry and the higher electronegativity of the oxygen atom
  • The presence of strong ionic bonds holding the atoms together

Water has a V-shaped bent geometry (104.5° bond angle). Oxygen's higher electronegativity pulls shared electrons closer, creating a partial negative charge (δ⁻) on oxygen and partial positive charges (δ⁺) on hydrogens. The bonds are polar covalent, not ionic, and the unequal sharing creates a molecular dipole.

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