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.

Answered by Chemistry tutor

13249 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe two different test tube reactions to identify the following organic compounds: propanal and benzoic acid.


How is benzene nitrated?


What is hybridisation and how can it be used to explain the shapes of molecules?


Give the molecular formula of benzene. Give the Kekule structure of benzene and then explain why this structure is not correct. Give the accepted structure for benzene (5 marks).


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