Write a chemical formula that shows 3 molecules of water.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The chemical formula for three molecules of water is:
3H₂O
Explanation:
Water is composed of two hydrogen atoms (H) covalently bonded to one oxygen atom (O), and its molecular formula is H₂O. The subscript “2” indicates that there are two hydrogen atoms for every one oxygen atom in a water molecule. To represent three molecules of water, we multiply the entire formula H₂O by 3:
3H₂O = 3 molecules of water, each consisting of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.
Structure of Water Molecule (H₂O):
A single water molecule consists of two hydrogen (H) atoms and one oxygen (O) atom. The oxygen atom is more electronegative than hydrogen, meaning it attracts the shared electrons in the covalent bonds more strongly. This gives the oxygen atom a slight negative charge (δ-) and the hydrogen atoms a slight positive charge (δ+), making water a polar molecule.
Why is Water Polar?
Water’s polarity is due to its bent shape and the difference in electronegativity between hydrogen and oxygen. This allows water molecules to form hydrogen bonds with each other, which are responsible for many of its unique properties, such as its high boiling point and its ability to dissolve a wide range of substances.
Implications of 3H₂O:
When you write 3H₂O, it means there are three distinct water molecules in the sample. Each molecule contains:
- 2 hydrogen atoms (H)
- 1 oxygen atom (O)
Therefore, for three molecules of water, there are a total of:
- 6 hydrogen atoms (3 molecules × 2 atoms per molecule)
- 3 oxygen atoms (3 molecules × 1 atom per molecule)
Thus, the chemical formula 3H₂O is a simple but precise representation of three water molecules.