What does it mean for water to be polar?

Water is classified as a polar molecule due to its structure and the way the electrons are distributed between the oxygen and hydrogen atoms. In a water molecule, the oxygen atom is more electronegative than the hydrogen atoms. This means oxygen attracts the shared electrons more strongly, resulting in an uneven sharing of these electrons. The oxygen atom becomes partially negative due to this higher electron density, while the hydrogen atoms become partially positive. This separation of charge creates a dipole moment in the molecule, giving water its polar characteristics.

The polarity of water is fundamental to many of its unique properties, such as its ability to dissolve various substances, participate in hydrogen bonding, and contribute to the solvent properties. For example, its polarity allows water to interact effectively with other polar substances.

In contrast, other options do not accurately represent what it means for water to be polar. An even charge or even sharing of electrons would indicate a nonpolar molecule, while describing water as a universal solvent refers to one of its properties rather than its molecular polarity.