Which of the following correctly identifies the types of bonds within a water (H_2O) molecule and between water molecules?

• A. Covalent bonds within the molecule; hydrogen bonds between molecules
• B. Ionic bonds within the molecule; hydrogen bonds between molecules
• C. Hydrogen bonds within the molecule; covalent bonds between molecules
• D. Covalent bonds within the molecule; ionic bonds between molecules

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the structure of a water molecule (H\_2O). It consists of one oxygen atom covalently bonded to two hydrogen atoms. Covalent bonds involve the sharing of electron pairs between atoms within the molecule.
2. Step 2: Recognize that within the water molecule, the bonds between oxygen and hydrogen are covalent because electrons are shared to form stable molecules.
3. Step 3: Identify the interactions between separate water molecules. These are not covalent bonds but rather hydrogen bonds, which are weaker attractions between the partially positive hydrogen atom of one molecule and the partially negative oxygen atom of another.
4. Step 4: Differentiate hydrogen bonds from ionic bonds. Ionic bonds involve the complete transfer of electrons and typically occur between metal and nonmetal ions, which is not the case in water molecules.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct description is: covalent bonds within the water molecule and hydrogen bonds between water molecules.