The positive hydrogen end of one water molecule attracts the __ ends of neighboring water molecules.

• A. negative oxygen
• B. positive hydrogen
• C. positive oxygen
• D. negative hydrogen

Answer: (A)

Water molecules are polar, with oxygen pulling electron density toward itself. This gives oxygen a partial negative charge and the hydrogens a partial positive charge. Because of that, the positive hydrogen end of one molecule is attracted to the negatively charged ends on neighboring molecules, which are the oxygen ends. This hydrogen-bonding interaction between the hydrogen of one molecule and the oxygen of another helps hold water together and explains its cohesion and other unique properties.