Why are the hydrogen molecules partially positive in water molecules?

I understand why water is partially negative as it attracts the electrons. But I really don't understand why the hydrogen molecules are partially positive.

Reply 1

Theloniouss

Universities Forum Helper

The Oxygen attracts the electrons from the hydrogens in a water molecule. If there are more electrons on the Oxygen, there are fewer on the hydrogens. As a consequence, the Oxygen becomes negative and the hydrogens positive.

Reply 2

erisericsson

Original post by Theloniouss

Ah I get it now :smile:

Thank you so much

Reply 3

Pigster

Original post by erisericsson

I understand why water is partially negative as it attracts the electrons. But I really don't understand why the hydrogen molecules are partially positive.

The molecules are neutral.

The hydrogen atoms are partially positive, but the size of the (2x) positiveness is exactly balanced by the size of the partial negativity (on the oxygen atom).