Which of the following statements best describes weak chemical bonds such as hydrogen bonds?

• A. They result from the complete transfer of electrons from one atom to another.
• B. They are stronger than covalent bonds and are responsible for the rigidity of crystal lattices.
• C. They occur when a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to one electronegative atom is attracted to another electronegative atom.
• D. They involve the sharing of electron pairs between atoms.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the types of chemical bonds mentioned. Ionic bonds involve the complete transfer of electrons from one atom to another, resulting in charged ions.
2. Step 2: Recognize that covalent bonds involve the sharing of electron pairs between atoms, which are generally stronger than weak bonds like hydrogen bonds.
3. Step 3: Note that hydrogen bonds are a type of weak chemical bond that occurs when a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to an electronegative atom (such as oxygen, nitrogen, or fluorine) is attracted to another electronegative atom nearby.
4. Step 4: Compare the strength of hydrogen bonds to covalent bonds and ionic bonds. Hydrogen bonds are weaker than covalent bonds and ionic bonds but are crucial for properties like the structure of water and biological molecules.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the statement describing hydrogen bonds as occurring when a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to one electronegative atom is attracted to another electronegative atom best describes weak chemical bonds such as hydrogen bonds.