Describe how hydrogen bonding arises in water

Water is made up of one oxygen and two hydrogen atoms. Oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen, meaning the electrons in the hydrogen-oxygen bond are slightly more attracted to the oxygen. This makes the bond polar, with oxygen being slightly negative (δ- or "delta negative") and hydrogen slightly positive (δ+ or "delta positive"). There is a weak electrostatic interaction between these partial charges, so the slightly negative oxygen of one water molecule will be weakly attracted to a slightly positive hydrogen in another water molecule.

Answered by Lucy T. Biology tutor

4202 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

How does the adrenaline hormone cause the conversion of glycogen to glucose?


What is Phagocytosis


What is a randomised controlled trial?


Starch is made from two alpha-glucose polymers, amylose and amylopectin. Which is quicker to break down and why?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences