The chemical formula of water is H_2O. What type of bond holds the atoms together within a water molecule?

• A. Covalent bond
• B. Metallic bond
• C. Hydrogen bond
• D. Ionic bond

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the types of bonds listed: covalent, metallic, hydrogen, and ionic bonds.
2. Recall that covalent bonds involve the sharing of electron pairs between atoms, typically nonmetals.
3. Recognize that water (H_2O) consists of hydrogen and oxygen atoms, both nonmetals, which usually form covalent bonds by sharing electrons.
4. Understand that metallic bonds occur between metal atoms, which is not the case for water.
5. Note that hydrogen bonds are intermolecular forces between molecules, not bonds holding atoms within a molecule, and ionic bonds involve transfer of electrons between metals and nonmetals, which does not apply to water.