[Campbell Biology P.103] Regarding water molecules, what is the fundamental difference betwe... | Practice Question

Regarding water molecules, what is the fundamental difference between a hydrogen bond and a polar covalent bond?

  • A: Both are intramolecular forces, but hydrogen bonds are stronger due to electron sharing.
  • B: A hydrogen bond is an attraction between different water molecules, while a polar covalent bond is formed by shared electrons within a single water molecule.
  • C: Both are formed by the transfer of electrons, with hydrogen bonds being weaker than polar covalent bonds.
  • D: Hydrogen bonds are responsible for water's polarity, while polar covalent bonds give water its high specific heat.

Explanation

Polar covalent bonds are strong bonds formed by the unequal sharing of electrons between oxygen and hydrogen atoms within a single water molecule, leading to the molecule's polarity. Hydrogen bonds are weaker, intermolecular attractions between the partially positive hydrogen of one water molecule and the partially negative oxygen of a nearby water molecule.