Which feature of water molecules causes them to be attracted to each other?

• A. The metallic bonding among oxygen atoms
• B. The ionic bonds within each molecule
• C. The dispersion forces due to temporary dipoles
• D. The presence of hydrogen bonding between molecules

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the type of bonding within a water molecule: Water (H\_2O) consists of covalent bonds between hydrogen and oxygen atoms, not metallic or ionic bonds.
2. Understand the intermolecular forces: The attraction between separate water molecules is due to forces acting between molecules, not within them.
3. Recognize the polarity of water molecules: Oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen, creating a polar molecule with a partial negative charge near oxygen and partial positive charges near hydrogens.
4. Explain hydrogen bonding: The partial positive hydrogen atoms of one water molecule are attracted to the partial negative oxygen atoms of neighboring water molecules, forming hydrogen bonds.
5. Conclude that hydrogen bonding is the key feature causing water molecules to be attracted to each other, rather than metallic bonding, ionic bonds, or dispersion forces.