Question

What are four unusual properties of water that are a direct result of hydrogen bonding

Answer 1

High boiling and melting points: Hydrogen bonds increase the amount of energy required for phase changes to occur, thereby raising the boiling and melting points.

High specific heat: Hydrogen bonds increase the amount of energy required for molecules to increase in speed, thereby raising the specific heat.

Lower density as a solid than as a liquid: Hydrogen bonds increase the volume of the solid by holding molecules apart, thereby decreasing the density.

High surface tension: Hydrogen bonds produce strong intermolecular attractions, which increase surface tension.

Answer 2

The following are the four unusual characteristics of water due to hydrogen bonding:

1. Water exhibits high specific heat as the presence of hydrogen bonds enhances the concentration of energy needed for the molecules to accelerate the speed, thus, elevating the specific heat.

2. Water has both high melting and high boiling points as hydrogen bonds enhance the energy, which is needed at the time of phase change, thus, increasing both the melting and the boiling points.

3. The hydrogen bonds present in the water gives rise to robust intermolecular attractions, therefore, enhancing the surface tension.

4. The hydrogen bonds present in the water makes the water to exhibit high heat of vaporization, that is, of about 41 KJ/mol.