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Multiple Choice
Which statement best helps explain the formation of the hydrogen bond represented in the figure?
A
Hydrogen bonds occur only between hydrogen and carbon atoms in organic molecules.
B
Hydrogen bonds form when two hydrogen atoms share electrons equally between them.
C
A hydrogen atom covalently bonded to an electronegative atom, such as oxygen, develops a partial positive charge and is attracted to a partial negative charge on another electronegative atom.
D
Hydrogen bonds are formed by the transfer of electrons from hydrogen to oxygen.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding what a hydrogen bond is. A hydrogen bond is a type of weak chemical bond that occurs when a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to an electronegative atom (like oxygen or nitrogen) develops a partial positive charge and interacts with a partial negative charge on another electronegative atom.
Step 2: Analyze the options provided in the problem. Eliminate statements that are incorrect based on the definition of hydrogen bonds. For example, hydrogen bonds do not occur only between hydrogen and carbon atoms, nor do they involve the transfer of electrons.
Step 3: Focus on the correct explanation. Hydrogen bonds form due to the polarity created when a hydrogen atom is covalently bonded to an electronegative atom. This bond causes the hydrogen atom to have a partial positive charge, which is attracted to the partial negative charge of another electronegative atom.
Step 4: Relate this concept to the figure provided in the problem. Identify the partial positive charge on the hydrogen atom and the partial negative charge on the electronegative atom (such as oxygen or nitrogen) in the figure, which explains the formation of the hydrogen bond.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct statement is: 'A hydrogen atom covalently bonded to an electronegative atom, such as oxygen, develops a partial positive charge and is attracted to a partial negative charge on another electronegative atom.' This aligns with the scientific explanation of hydrogen bond formation.