Which term best fits the definition: a weak chemical bond formed by attractions between molecules, specifically hydrogen and either oxygen or nitrogen?

Which term best fits the definition: a weak chemical bond formed by attractions between molecules, specifically hydrogen and either oxygen or nitrogen?

• A. Ionic bond
• B. Hydrogen bond
• C. Covalent bond
• D. Van der Waals interaction

Answer: (B)

Hydrogen bonds are relatively weak, directional attractions between molecules that occur when a hydrogen atom that is covalently bonded to a highly electronegative atom like oxygen or nitrogen interacts with a lone pair on another electronegative atom. This creates a distinct, specific attraction between molecules rather than a full bond within a single molecule. It’s weaker than a covalent bond but stronger than many other intermolecular forces, and it’s crucial for properties like water’s cohesion and the way DNA base pairs hold together. This definition fits hydrogen bonds precisely: the interaction involves hydrogen and either oxygen or nitrogen and is weaker than covalent interactions. Ionic bonds involve full charges between ions, not this partial charge attraction. Covalent bonds are strong bonds within a molecule formed by sharing electrons. Van der Waals interactions are weaker, non-specific attractions that don’t require a hydrogen attached to oxygen or nitrogen.

Hydrogen bonds are relatively weak, directional attractions between molecules that occur when a hydrogen atom that is covalently bonded to a highly electronegative atom like oxygen or nitrogen interacts with a lone pair on another electronegative atom. This creates a distinct, specific attraction between molecules rather than a full bond within a single molecule. It’s weaker than a covalent bond but stronger than many other intermolecular forces, and it’s crucial for properties like water’s cohesion and the way DNA base pairs hold together.

This definition fits hydrogen bonds precisely: the interaction involves hydrogen and either oxygen or nitrogen and is weaker than covalent interactions. Ionic bonds involve full charges between ions, not this partial charge attraction. Covalent bonds are strong bonds within a molecule formed by sharing electrons. Van der Waals interactions are weaker, non-specific attractions that don’t require a hydrogen attached to oxygen or nitrogen.