How does Hydrogen bonding arise in Water?

Hydrogen bonding occurs in water due to the large electronegativity difference between the hydrogen atoms and the oxygen atom.The oxygen attracts the shared pair of electrons towards itself leaving the hydrogen with a partially positive charge.This causes it to be attracted to lone pairs of oxygen on other water molecules forming a hydrogen bond.The formation of hydrogen bonds is what gives water its distinct properties.

Answered by Chemistry tutor

5179 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is a dynamic equilibrium?


Explain why silicon dioxide has a higher melting point than sulphur trioxide


In order to find the [H+] ion content of H2SO4 (Sulphuric Acid), why must you divide by two after using the formula for pH calculation?


How do you work out an electron configuration?


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