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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is responsible for the cohesive property of water?
A
Van der Waals forces between water molecules
B
Covalent bonding between water molecules
C
Ionic bonding between water molecules
D
Hydrogen bonding between water molecules
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of cohesion: Cohesion refers to the attraction between molecules of the same substance. In the case of water, this property is crucial for phenomena like surface tension.
Identify the types of bonds and forces: Van der Waals forces are weak interactions between molecules, covalent bonds involve sharing of electrons between atoms, and ionic bonds involve transfer of electrons between atoms. Hydrogen bonds are a type of dipole-dipole attraction between molecules.
Recognize the structure of a water molecule: Water (H₂O) consists of two hydrogen atoms covalently bonded to one oxygen atom. The oxygen atom is more electronegative, creating a partial negative charge, while the hydrogen atoms have a partial positive charge.
Explain hydrogen bonding: Due to the polarity of water molecules, the positive hydrogen atoms of one molecule are attracted to the negative oxygen atoms of another molecule, forming hydrogen bonds. These bonds are responsible for the cohesive property of water.
Conclude why hydrogen bonding is the correct answer: Hydrogen bonds are strong enough to hold water molecules together, leading to cohesion. This is why water droplets form and why water has a high surface tension.