How many hydrogen bonds can one water molecule form at maximum?

Correct option is D

The correct answer is option (d) 4.

Explanation

A single water molecule (H₂O) can form a maximum of 4 hydrogen bonds. This occurs due to the structure of the water molecule and its polarity:

1. The oxygen atom in the water molecule has lone pairs of electrons and is highly electronegative, allowing it to form hydrogen bonds with hydrogen atoms of other water molecules.

2. The hydrogen atoms in the water molecule are partially positively charged and can form hydrogen bonds with the lone pairs of electrons on oxygen atoms of nearby water molecules.

Each water molecule can form two hydrogen bonds through its hydrogen atoms and two hydrogen bonds through its lone electron pairs on the oxygen atom, leading to a total of four hydrogen bonds in a network structure.

Information Booster

• Hydrogen bonds are relatively weak attractions between molecules, but they are crucial in determining the unique properties of water, such as its high boiling point, surface tension, and ability to dissolve many substances.

• Hydrogen bonds in water are responsible for its liquid state at room temperature, unlike other molecules of similar size, which would typically be gases.

• Water's ability to form multiple hydrogen bonds contributes to its high specific heat capacity and heat of vaporization.