Explain why hydrogen bonding occurs between water molecules

Water molecules have a molecular formula of H2O. The O-H bond in water is a polar bond. This is because there is a big difference in electronegativity between the oxygen and the water. It is known that oxygen is very electronegative, therefore it attracts the electrons creating a polar bond. This means the oxygen is slightly negatively charged and the hydrogen is slightly positively charged. This allows for hydrogen bonding to occur between oxygens and hydrogens of different water molecules. Hydrogen bonding is an intermolecular force and this means it directly affects the physical properties of the molecule.

MA

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is a dynamic equilibrium?


When vaporised, isotopes of an element can be separated in a mass spectrometer. Name the three processes that occur in a mass spectrometer before the vaporised isotopes can be detected. State how each process is achieved. (6 marks)


What are 'Rate equations' and why are they useful?


A chemist mixes together 0.450 mol N2 with 0.450 mol H2 in a sealed container. The mixture is heated and allowed to reach equilibrium. At equilibrium, the mixture contains 0.400 mol N2 and the total pressure is 500 kPa. Calculate Kp.