If water is not charged why is it polar?

Question

i know there's an electronegative oxygen and electropositive hydrogen. and the O is more eN than the H.

but why is it not considers as being "charged"?

Answer 1

You seem to be asking about the difference between charge and polarity. It is true that, in a sense, the "poles" of a water molecule are charged. In reality, however, these poles have a "partial charge" because of the fact that the electrons in their molecular orbits are spending a greater amount of their time in one part of the molecule than in another. So, since electrons are negatively charged, the portions of the molecule in which the electrons are at a greater density experience a very slight overall negative charge. The portions of the molecule deficient in electrons are therefore slightly positively charged. Remember, these charges are partial and not the same sort of charge as is meant when referring to ionized atoms. Ions experience a complete charge due to the complete loss or gain of electrons. Therefore, the partial charges of a polar water molecule are dramatically weaker than the whole charge of fully ionized atoms.

Answer 2

In order to be charged you would need an Ionic element such as Na, or K. For example NaCl, common salt, is not charged by itself, if you add it in water it will dissociate and make the mixture charged, thus allowing electricity to be conducted.  

Answer 3

The oxygen is partially negative, while the hydrogens are partially positive, which makes the water polar.  However, the molecule is neutral as each atom has the number of bonds it prefers - one for hydrogen and two bonds plus two lone pairs of electrons on the oxygen - and the formal charges on each atom are 0.

Answer 4

The molecule is neutral as there is no NET charge. The atoms are covalently bonded and not ionic. Bulk water is NOT polar, but a random mix of polar molecules (HOH has a dipole towards the more electronegative O).

Answer 5

The charges cancel each other out but are arranged on opposite poles(sides)...one being more negative(O) and the other more positive(H). Look at a diagram of the molecule.

2(H)= +2

1(O)= -2

+2-2=0 (uncharged)

Answer 6

it's polar because there is a slightly negative charge in the region near the oxygen atom. the oxygen atom has a great attraction for the electrons.

it's not charged because water is a neutral compound. if it existed in the form of ions, it will be charged.

:)