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where is the majority of negative charge on the water molecule

The majority of the negative charge in a water molecule is located around the oxygen atom , especially in the region of its two lone pairs of electrons.

Quick Scoop

  • A water molecule is H₂O: one oxygen atom bonded to two hydrogens.
  • Oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen, so it pulls the shared electrons in the O–H bonds closer to itself.
  • This creates:
    • A partial negative charge (δ–) concentrated around the oxygen end of the molecule.
* Partial **positive** charges (δ+) on the two hydrogen atoms.
  • The bent shape of water (like a “V”) plus this uneven electron distribution makes water a polar molecule, with the “negative side” centered on the oxygen, especially where its lone pairs are located.

So, if your question is from a multiple-choice style exam, the correct option is usually:

The majority of negative charge is around the oxygen atom in the water molecule.

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