Final answer:
In hydrogen bonding, a hydrogen atom that is covalently bonded to a more electronegative atom can form weak intermolecular interactions with an electronegative atom in a nearby molecule, significantly influencing the properties of substances like water.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hydrogen bonding is an important concept in chemistry where specific types of covalent bonds play a crucial role. When hydrogen is involved in a covalent bond, it may participate in hydrogen bonding, a special type of interaction. In a simple hydrogen molecule (H2), two hydrogen atoms share their lone electrons to form what is known as a nonpolar covalent bond because the sharing is equal.
In molecules where hydrogen is covalently bonded to a more electronegative atom like oxygen or nitrogen, hydrogen bonds can form between molecules. These hydrogen bonds are relatively weak compared to covalent bonds but are significant in determining the properties of substances like water. The formation of a hydrogen bond occurs when the hydrogen atom from one molecule, which is partially positive due to the polar covalent bond, is attracted to an electronegative atom (usually nitrogen, oxygen, or fluorine) from another molecule.