When two hydrogen atoms bond with one oxygen atom to form water what happens to the electrons?

(A) each hydrogen atom donates its electron to the oxygen atom

(B) the oxygen atom donates an electron to each hydrogen atom

(C) a pair of electrons is shared at each of the hydrogen oxygen bonds

(D) no electrons shared or donated

Question

Chemistry

Abbie York

3 February, 22:17

When two hydrogen atoms bond with one oxygen atom to form water what happens to the electrons?

(A) each hydrogen atom donates its electron to the oxygen atom

(B) the oxygen atom donates an electron to each hydrogen atom

(C) a pair of electrons is shared at each of the hydrogen oxygen bonds

(D) no electrons shared or donated

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Answers (1)

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Most bonds are made when a positive atom or molecule (one that is missing an electron in its outer shell) accepts an electron from a negative atom or molecule. Hydrogen is a positive ion because it only has one electron in its outer shell instead of a pair. Oxygen has paired electrons, but because it is highly electronegative one of the outer electrons is held closer to the nucleus, creating a partial negative charge. This partial negative charge attracts the electron in the outer shell of hydrogen and creates a bond. This type of bond accounts for the high surface tension in water.