Textbook Question
Select all of the compounds from the following list. If it is not a compound, then state what it is.
a. H2O
b. HCO3-
c. O2
d. H2
e. Li2+
f. C6H12O6
g. H+
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3. Chemical Principles of Microbiology
Introduction to Chemical Bonding
4:45 minutesProblem 5
Textbook Question
Which of the following terms most correctly describes the bonds in a molecule of water?
a. Nonpolar covalent bond
b. Polar covalent bond
c. Ionic bond
d. Hydrogen bond
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the types of bonds listed in the options. A nonpolar covalent bond involves equal sharing of electrons between atoms, while a polar covalent bond involves unequal sharing of electrons, creating partial charges.
Step 2: Recall the structure of a water molecule (H₂O). It consists of one oxygen atom bonded to two hydrogen atoms. Oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen, meaning it attracts electrons more strongly.
Step 3: Because oxygen attracts electrons more strongly, the electrons in the O-H bonds are shared unequally, resulting in a partial negative charge near oxygen and partial positive charges near the hydrogens.
Step 4: This unequal sharing of electrons in the O-H bonds classifies these bonds as polar covalent bonds, not nonpolar covalent, ionic, or hydrogen bonds (hydrogen bonds occur between molecules, not within a single molecule).
Step 5: Therefore, the correct term to describe the bonds within a water molecule is 'polar covalent bond'.
Verified video answer for a similar problem:This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
4mKey Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Polar Covalent Bonds
Polar covalent bonds occur when two atoms share electrons unequally due to differences in electronegativity, resulting in partial positive and negative charges within the molecule. In water, oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen, causing the shared electrons to be pulled closer to oxygen, creating polarity.
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Polar Covalent Bonds
Nonpolar Covalent Bonds
Nonpolar covalent bonds involve equal sharing of electrons between atoms with similar electronegativities, resulting in no significant charge separation. Molecules like O2 or N2 typically have nonpolar covalent bonds, unlike water where the bond is polar.
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Hydrogen Bonds
Hydrogen bonds are weak intermolecular attractions between a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to an electronegative atom (like oxygen) and another electronegative atom nearby. In water, hydrogen bonds form between molecules, not within the bonds holding the atoms together.
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