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Multiple Choice
What type of intermolecular force is likely to occur between two water molecules () or strands of DNA ()?
A
Ionic bonding
B
Hydrogen bonding
C
Covalent bonding
D
Van der Waals forces
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Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the types of intermolecular forces: Ionic bonding, covalent bonding, hydrogen bonding, and Van der Waals forces.
Recognize that water molecules (H₂O) and DNA strands have polar characteristics due to the presence of electronegative atoms like oxygen and nitrogen.
Identify that hydrogen bonding occurs when a hydrogen atom is covalently bonded to a highly electronegative atom (such as oxygen or nitrogen) and is attracted to another electronegative atom.
Consider the structure of water molecules: each molecule has a partial positive charge on the hydrogen atoms and a partial negative charge on the oxygen atom, facilitating hydrogen bonding.
Apply the concept to DNA strands: the nitrogenous bases in DNA can form hydrogen bonds with each other, contributing to the stability of the DNA double helix.