Which property of water is explained by the hydrogen bonds between water molecules that allow them to stick together?

• A. Capillary action
• B. Adhesion
• C. Surface tension
• D. Cohesion

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that water molecules are polar, meaning they have a partial positive charge on one side and a partial negative charge on the other, due to the electronegativity difference between hydrogen and oxygen atoms.
2. Recognize that hydrogen bonds form between the slightly positive hydrogen atom of one water molecule and the slightly negative oxygen atom of another water molecule.
3. Identify that cohesion refers to the attraction between molecules of the same substance, in this case, water molecules sticking to each other due to hydrogen bonding.
4. Differentiate cohesion from adhesion, which is the attraction between molecules of different substances, such as water molecules sticking to the walls of a container.
5. Conclude that the property of water that is explained by the hydrogen bonds allowing water molecules to stick together is cohesion, as it describes the intermolecular forces that hold the water molecules together.