Does H2O Have a Dipole Moment?

Yes, water (H2O) has a dipole moment.

The dipole moment in water arises due to the difference in electronegativity between the oxygen and hydrogen atoms. Oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen, meaning it attracts electrons more strongly. This creates a partial negative charge on the oxygen atom and a partial positive charge on the hydrogen atoms.

Additionally, the bent shape of the water molecule contributes to its dipole moment. Instead of being linear, the two hydrogen atoms form an angle with the oxygen atom, resulting in a net polarity. The dipole moment is a vector quantity that points from the positive to the negative charge, and in the case of water, this gives it a significant dipole moment, making it a polar molecule.

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