
What is the overall charge on a molecule of water?
Answer
448.2k+ views
Hint: To solve the given question, we should have information about water molecules and how to calculate the charge on a molecule. Water is a polar molecule that is generally in a liquid state and transparent in nature. It is a tasteless and odorless liquid. Water exists in all three states, solid, liquid, and gases. It is considered a universal solvent with a density of about . It contains a triple point which is the temperature at which all three states of water co-exist. A charge is a physical quantity that is acquired by any substance due to the loss or gain of electrons. The unit of electric charge is Coulomb ( ). All molecules generally have a net charge of zero.
Complete step by step solution:
Step-1 :
A molecule is electrically neutral or not can be determined at the subatomic level, that is from the number of electrons and protons present in the molecule.
Step-2 :
Here, the molecular formula of water contains two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. So, total number of protons will be and total number of electrons will be . Since protons contain a positive charge and electrons contain a negative charge, they cancel each other making the molecule of water electrically neutral.
Note :
A polar molecule can also have a zero net charge as polarization simply refers to the change in position of electrons from the center between the bond. The law of conservation of electric charge states that the total charge before is equal to the total charge after the electron transfer in an isolated system.
While calculating the overall charge, one should remember to make a simple structure of the molecule and not take formal charge.
Complete step by step solution:
Step-1 :
A molecule is electrically neutral or not can be determined at the subatomic level, that is from the number of electrons and protons present in the molecule.
Step-2 :
Here, the molecular formula of water contains two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. So, total number of protons will be
Note :
A polar molecule can also have a zero net charge as polarization simply refers to the change in position of electrons from the center between the bond. The law of conservation of electric charge states that the total charge before is equal to the total charge after the electron transfer in an isolated system.
While calculating the overall charge, one should remember to make a simple structure of the molecule and not take formal charge.
Latest Vedantu courses for you
Grade 10 | MAHARASHTRABOARD | SCHOOL | English
Vedantu 10 Maharashtra Pro Lite (2025-26)
School Full course for MAHARASHTRABOARD students
₹33,300 per year
Recently Updated Pages
Master Class 11 Business Studies: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Economics: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Accountancy: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Computer Science: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 English: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Maths: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Trending doubts
Which one is a true fish A Jellyfish B Starfish C Dogfish class 11 biology CBSE

Difference Between Prokaryotic Cells and Eukaryotic Cells

1 ton equals to A 100 kg B 1000 kg C 10 kg D 10000 class 11 physics CBSE

One Metric ton is equal to kg A 10000 B 1000 C 100 class 11 physics CBSE

How much is 23 kg in pounds class 11 chemistry CBSE

Net gain of ATP in glycolysis a 6 b 2 c 4 d 8 class 11 biology CBSE
