Does a Water Molecule Become More or Less Polar When

question 50

Multiple Choice

Does a water molecule become more or less polar when bound to a metal ion, such as ? Why? (Hint: How might the electrons of the O-H covalent bonds in water "feel" about the highly charged aluminum ion?)

• A) Less polar. Aluminum ion is so highly polar that it attracts the electrons in a water molecule to itself and away from the oxygen atom in water, causing water to lose polar character.
• B) More polar. The electrons in the O-H bond are drawn even closer to the oxygen (and away from the hydrogen) as they are drawn towards the positive charge of the aluminum ion.
• C) Neither. Although polarity may increase as a water molecule approaches an aluminum ion, once the water molecule becomes bound to the metal ion its polarity reverts to its original status.
• D) Both. As a first water molecule approaches , there is an increase in water's polarity. However, the "bond" becomes less polar when the aluminum ion has captured all six water molecules to form O ³⁺.

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