Which of the following statements about water (H2O) is false?

In the context of the properties of water, the statement that the oxygen atom has a partial positive charge is indeed false. Water is a polar molecule composed of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. In this molecule, the oxygen atom is highly electronegative, attracting the shared electrons more than the hydrogen atoms. As a result, the oxygen atom carries a partial negative charge, while the hydrogen atoms carry partial positive charges. This creates a dipole moment in the water molecule.

The polar nature of water contributes to many of its unique properties, such as its high specific heat, because water can absorb a considerable amount of heat without experiencing a significant increase in temperature. Additionally, the polarity and dipole moment of water are responsible for its ability to dissolve many ionic and polar substances, making it an excellent solvent.

In summary, the correct identification of the false statement hinges on understanding the charge distribution within the water molecule, where the oxygen is negatively charged and the hydrogen atoms are positively charged.