Question

During the formation of a molecule of water (H_2O), what kind of bond occurs between the elements? I'm studying this subject on my own and from some sources I saw that there is a covalent bond and others showed an hydrogen bond, responsible for the non-evaporation of water at −90°C. Can you guys explain to me exactly how this bonds behave? Both of them occurs to the molecules of water?

Answer 1

In water (H2O), covalent bonds join hydrogen to oxygen within a molecule, while hydrogen bonds link different water molecules, playing a key role in water's unique properties such as its high boiling point.

Step-by-step explanation:

During the formation of a water molecule (H2O), two types of bonds are involved: covalent bonds and hydrogen bonds. The covalent bond is formed when the hydrogen atoms share a pair of electrons with an oxygen atom to fill the outer electron shell of oxygen, making the molecule more stable. This bond is strong and energy-rich, requiring 464 kJ/mole to break. In contrast, the hydrogen bond is a weak, electrostatic interaction that occurs between water molecules, specifically between a hydrogen atom of one water molecule and the lone pair of electrons on the oxygen atom of another water molecule. These hydrogen bonds are responsible for the high boiling point of water and its unique properties. Although weak on their own, when many hydrogen bonds are present, as in the case of water, they collectively contribute to the substance's characteristics.

It's important to note that these bonds are fundamentally different. Covalent bonds are responsible for holding the individual atoms within a water molecule together, while hydrogen bonds give water its unique properties by linking different water molecules together.