The number of hydrogen bonds formed by a water molecule at normal conditions is

The number of hydrogen bonds formed by a water molecule at normal conditions is
  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4

Solution

Water is unique because its oxygen atom has two lone pairs and two hydrogen atoms, meaning that the total number of bonds of a water molecule is up to four. The number of hydrogen bonds formed by a molecule of liquid water fluctuates with time and temperature. From liquid water simulations at \(25^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\), it was estimated that each water molecule participates in an average of 3.59 hydrogen bonds. Hence, correct option is (d).

Asked in: AP EAMCET 2020 (21 Sep Shift 1)

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