which contributes to the polarity of a water molecule?\no a linear shape along with strong covalent bonds\no…

which contributes to the polarity of a water molecule?\no a linear shape along with strong covalent bonds\no deflection of hydrogen atoms by lone pairs of electrons\no no difference in the electronegativity of oxygen and hydrogen\no hydrogen bond formation between water molecules

which contributes to the polarity of a water molecule?\no a linear shape along with strong covalent bonds\no deflection of hydrogen atoms by lone pairs of electrons\no no difference in the electronegativity of oxygen and hydrogen\no hydrogen bond formation between water molecules

Answer

Answer:

B. deflection of hydrogen atoms by lone pairs of electrons

Brief Explanations:

In a water molecule, oxygen has two lone - pairs of electrons. These lone pairs repel the bonding pairs with hydrogen, causing the hydrogen atoms to be deflected. This gives water a bent shape. The oxygen atom is more electronegative than hydrogen, creating a charge separation and resulting in polarity. A linear shape would not lead to polarity (option A is wrong), there is a significant electronegativity difference between oxygen and hydrogen (option C is wrong), and hydrogen - bond formation between water molecules is a result of polarity, not a cause of it (option D is wrong).