Intermolecular Forces: Hydrogen Bond

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Intermolecular Forces: Hydrogen Bonding
Other than forming actual bonds between atoms, molecules can also interact with one another. The main types of these intermolecular forces are as follows.
Involves a H atom that is covalently bonded to a highly electronegative atom (F, O, N) causing it to be partially stripped of its electrons by that atom. 
This causes a transient attractive interaction to form between the partially positive H with another partially negative (electronegative) atom.
Example: water (two Hs bound to one O) loves to interact with other water molecules in that way.



*Breaking bonds requires energy, forming bonds creates energy.

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Example: Strength of Bonds and Forces
What are the types of bonds or forces represented by A and B? Which is the strongest?


Photo adapted from OpenStax College / CC BY

A is a covalent bond between hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O). B represents two water molecules engaging in hydrogen bonding. Although hydrogen bonding is a strong intermolecular force, covalent bonds are much stronger.

Practice: Ionic Bonds
Which of the following is true about ionic bonds?

A. The electrons are shared equally between atoms

B. Most biologically-relevant molecules have ionic bonds

C. Hydrogen bonding does not commonly occur between molecules with ionic bonds

D. Water is a great example of this type of bond

E. They are much stronger than covalent bonds

I don't know

Wize AP Biology Textbook > Chemistry of Life

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Intermolecular Forces: Hydrogen Bonding

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