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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is most directly responsible for water’s unique properties such as cohesion and adhesion?
A
Ionic bonds within water molecules
B
Van der Waals forces between water and air
C
Hydrogen bonding between water molecules
D
Covalent bonds between different water molecules
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the unique properties of water: Water exhibits cohesion (water molecules sticking to each other) and adhesion (water molecules sticking to other surfaces). These properties are crucial for processes like capillary action in plants.
Review the types of chemical bonds: Ionic bonds occur between charged ions, covalent bonds involve sharing electrons between atoms, Van der Waals forces are weak interactions between molecules, and hydrogen bonds are specific attractions between a hydrogen atom in one molecule and an electronegative atom (like oxygen) in another molecule.
Focus on hydrogen bonding: Water molecules are polar, meaning they have a partial positive charge on the hydrogen atoms and a partial negative charge on the oxygen atom. This polarity allows hydrogen bonds to form between the hydrogen of one water molecule and the oxygen of another.
Relate hydrogen bonding to water's properties: Hydrogen bonds are responsible for water's cohesion and adhesion. Cohesion occurs because water molecules are attracted to each other via hydrogen bonds, and adhesion occurs because water molecules can form hydrogen bonds with other substances.
Eliminate incorrect options: Ionic bonds and covalent bonds are not responsible for water's cohesion and adhesion, as these bonds occur within molecules rather than between them. Van der Waals forces are too weak to account for water's unique properties. Hydrogen bonding is the correct answer because it directly explains these phenomena.