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
Answered by Mohammed A. Chemistry tutor

17152 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

i)Give the Correct full electronic configuration for the Mg2+ ion, ii) and state why it is easier to form the 2+ state for Mg than Ben


What is an optical isomerism?


Relationship between moles and Avogadro's constant


Find the concentration of calcium carbonate given that 25cm^3 of CaCO3 is neutralised by an average of 14cm^3 of 0.1 molar HCl .


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning