Explain why water molecules form on average two hydrogen bonds per molecule, whereas ammonia molecules (NH3) form only one.

A hydrogen bond requires both a lone pair of electrons on a O, N or F atom and a hydrogen atom. In water there are two lone pairs and two hydrogen atoms, allowing the formation of two hydrogen bonds. In ammonia, although there are three hydrogen atoms, there is only one lone pair of electrons on the N, and this means that only one hydrogen bond can form per molecule.

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Given the following equilibrium: H2O + H2O <-> H3O+ + OH- and the Kw = 10^-14, determine the concentration of OH- species after the addition of 1 mmol of HCl to 1 L of neutral water.


How does ionisation energy vary across a period in the periodic table?


What chemical test can be used to differentiate between alkenes and alkanes. Describe and explain the results.


Calculate the empirical and molecular formula of the molecule giving rise to the molecular ion peak at 148 m/z. The percentage composition by weight is 64.80 % carbon, 13.62 % hydrogen, and 21.58 % oxygen