Question

If you add enough heat energy, the hydrogen bond breaks apart, and steam (water molecules in the gas phase) occur?

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

When the heat is raised (for instance, as water is boiled), the higher kinetic energy of the water molecules causes the hydrogen bonds to break completely and allows water molecules to escape into the air as gas. We observe this gas as water vapor or steam.

Answer 2

The formation and breaking of hydrogen bonds in water upon heating lead to an increase in molecular movement and eventually evaporation or boiling, where water molecules escape as steam without chemically breaking down into hydrogen and oxygen.

Step-by-step explanation:

Water's Heat of Vaporization and Hydrogen Bonds

When heat energy is added to water, the molecular motion increases, leading to the breaking of hydrogen bonds that hold the water molecules together. With a high heat of vaporization, water requires a substantial amount of energy to transition from liquid to gas. As water approaches and reaches its boiling point, the hydrogen bonds between molecules break completely, allowing the molecules to move freely and escape into the air as steam or water vapor. This phase change from liquid to gas occurs at 100° Celsius (212° Fahrenheit).

Even prior to reaching the boiling point, some surface water molecules can gain sufficient kinetic energy through interactions with other molecules and undergo evaporation, turning into vapor. This process is essential for many biological and ecological systems as it enables temperature regulation through evaporative cooling.

It is important to note that when water undergoes boiling, the water molecules do not chemically break down into hydrogen and oxygen but simply overcome the intermolecular forces to transition into the gaseous phase.