Question

31. why do the atoms of a water molecule have partial charges

Answer 1

Water molecules have a partial chargebecause the electrons in each covalent bond between the oxygen and each hydrogen are unequally shared - the electrons are closer to the oxygen. This means that each water molecule has a partial negative charge on the oxygen and partial positive charges on the hydrogens.

Answer 2

Polar molecules occur when atoms share electrons unequally, in polar covalent bonds. ... This means that the negatively charged electrons present in the water molecule are more strongly attracted to the oxygen nucleus than to the hydrogen nuclei.