What type of bond forms between water molecules?

The bond that forms between water molecules is a hydrogen bond. This type of bond occurs due to the polarity of water molecules, which are made up of one oxygen atom covalently bonded to two hydrogen atoms. The oxygen atom has a higher electronegativity than hydrogen, meaning it attracts the shared electrons more strongly, leading to a partial negative charge on the oxygen and a partial positive charge on the hydrogens.

When multiple water molecules are present, the positive end (the hydrogen) of one water molecule is attracted to the negative end (the oxygen) of another water molecule. This attraction results in a hydrogen bond. These bonds are relatively weak compared to covalent bonds, which are found within the water molecule itself, but they are crucial for many of water’s unique properties, such as its high boiling point, surface tension, and ability to dissolve many substances.

Other types of bonds mentioned do not describe the interaction between water molecules. Ionic bonds involve the transfer of electrons from one atom to another, typically seen in salts. Covalent bonds involve the sharing of electron pairs between atoms, which occurs within a single water molecule. Polar bonds, while referring to the nature of the bond within the water molecule where electrons are shared unequally, do