Select the correct answer. In a water molecule which atom has the strongest attraction for shared electrons? A. hydrogen B. oxygen C. hydroxide ion D. both atoms attract electrons with equal strength E. neither atom attracts the electrons

## Step 1<br />The problem is asking us to identify which atom in a water molecule has the strongest attraction for shared electrons. This is a concept related to electronegativity, which is a measure of the tendency of an atom to attract a bonding pair of electrons.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />In a water molecule, the two atoms are hydrogen and oxygen. Oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen, meaning it has a stronger attraction for shared electrons.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />The options C and E are incorrect because they refer to ions and a state where no attraction exists, which is not the case in a water molecule.<br /><br />## Step 4<br />Option D is also incorrect because it suggests that both atoms attract electrons with equal strength, which is not true in this case.