Home » Chemistry Questions » Is OH2 polar or nonpolar? – Chemistry QnA

Is OH2 polar or nonpolar? – (Polarity of OH2)

The question is –

Is OH2 polar or nonpolar?

Answer:

OH2 is polar (net µ = 1.85 Debye).   

Explanation:

Water (OH2), more conventionally written as H2O, is polar as the dipole moments of individually polar O-H bonds do not get canceled equally in the bent, angular, or V-shaped molecule.

OH2 consists of two O-H single covalent bonds.

Each O-H bond is polar as it consists of an electronegativity difference of 1.24 units between an oxygen (E.N = 3.44) and a hydrogen (E.N = 2.20) atom.

Oxygen, being more electronegative, attracts the O-H bonded electrons towards itself to a larger extent; thus, it gains a partial negative charge (δ).

Contrarily, both terminal H-atoms gain partial positive charges (δ+).

The central O-atom carries 2 lone pairs of electrons in OH2, which leads to strong lone pair-lone pair and lone pair-bond pair electronic repulsions.

OH2 thus occupies a bent, angular, or V-shape as opposed to its ideal tetrahedral electron pair geometry.

The O-H dipole moments do not get canceled in the bent molecular shape.

Consequently, OH2 or H2O is overall polar (net µ > 0).

is OH2 polar or nonpolar

 

Also, check –

How to identify polar or nonpolar compounds?

Did you like it?

About the author

Vishal Goyal author of topblogtenz.com

Vishal Goyal is the founder of Topblogtenz, a comprehensive resource for students seeking guidance and support in their chemistry studies. He holds a degree in B.Tech (Chemical Engineering) and has four years of experience as a chemistry tutor. The team at Topblogtenz includes experts like experienced researchers, professors, and educators, with the goal of making complex subjects like chemistry accessible and understandable for all. A passion for sharing knowledge and a love for chemistry and science drives the team behind the website. Let's connect through LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishal-goyal-2926a122b/

Share it...

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

About Topblogtenz

Topblogtenz is a website dedicated to providing informative and engaging content related to the field of chemistry and science. We aim to make complex subjects, like chemistry, approachable and enjoyable for everyone.

Copyright © 2023 - topblogtenz.com. All rights Reserved

Scroll to Top