Final answer:
A physical side bond that is easily broken by water and heat is a hydrogen bond. Hydrogen bonds are weaker than both ionic and covalent bonds and can be disrupted by temperature changes and water, which makes them unique in biological molecules and water.
Step-by-step explanation:
The physical side bond that is easily broken by water and heat is the hydrogen bond. Looking at how various bonds compare, a hydrogen bond is much weaker than both ionic and covalent bonds. Hydrogen bonds are common in biological molecules, such as DNA and proteins, and play a significant role in the unique properties of water. An example of a hydrogen bond can be seen in water molecules, where the hydrogen of one water molecule is attracted to the oxygen of another. These bonds are readily broken by temperature changes and the introduction of water, which disrupts the weak intermolecular forces.
For further understanding, let's explore the basic concepts. A chemical bond is the force that holds atoms together in a compound. There are three main types of bonds:
- Ionic bonds form when electrons are transferred from one atom to another, creating ions that attract each other due to opposite charges.
- Covalent bonds occur when atoms share electrons to achieve a full outer shell, creating a strong bond between the atoms.
- Metallic bonds are found in metal elements, where electrons are shared in a free-floating sea around a lattice of positive metal ions.
Hydrogen bonds form when hydrogen is covalently attached to a more electronegative atom such as nitrogen, oxygen, or fluorine, creating a dipole that can weakly bond to a nearby electronegative atom.