what results from the oxygen atom being at one end of a water molecule at the hydrogen atoms being at the other end?
2007-09-27 17:16:06 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
To be more correct, it results in water being a 'polar' molecule, with a preponderance of positive charge at one end and negative charge at the other.
This contributes to its special properties, such as being an excellent solvent, and so on.
2007-09-27 17:20:45 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Because the O atom has a greater electronegativity electrons are more attracted towards the O atom than the H atoms. This results in the O having a "SLIGHT" negative charge compared to a 'SLIGHT' positive charge on the H atoms. This causes the molecule to be polar. This is why alcohol and other polar molecules to dissolve in water.
2007-09-27 17:23:52 · answer #2 · answered by Robert B 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's just a way of expressing water. (OH2 wouldn't sound right).
The oxygen atom actually has 2 bonds (a double bond representing its valence electrons) and Hydrogen has 1 single bond (1 valence electron).
This is why it's H2O. The 2 valence electrons of oxygen will each unite with the 1 valence electron from 2 hydrogens.
Something like this arrangement:- (Ignore the dotted lines).
....O
.../....\
H......H
2007-09-27 17:32:49 · answer #3 · answered by Norrie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi. Wrong pretense. They two hydrogen atoms are at an angle of about 120 degrees. So there is no hydrogen at the 'end'.
2007-09-27 17:19:49 · answer #4 · answered by Cirric 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋