How many hydrogen bonds can a single molecule of water (H_2O) form with neighboring water molecules in a liquid state?

• A. Up to 2 hydrogen bonds
• B. Up to 4 hydrogen bonds
• C. Up to 1 hydrogen bond
• D. Up to 3 hydrogen bonds

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the structure of a water molecule (H\_2O): it has one oxygen atom bonded to two hydrogen atoms, with the oxygen atom having two lone pairs of electrons.
2. Recognize that hydrogen bonds form between a hydrogen atom attached to an electronegative atom (like oxygen) and a lone pair of electrons on another electronegative atom.
3. Identify the hydrogen bond donors and acceptors in water: each hydrogen atom can act as a hydrogen bond donor, and each lone pair on oxygen can act as a hydrogen bond acceptor.
4. Count the possible hydrogen bonds a single water molecule can form: it can donate 2 hydrogen bonds (one from each hydrogen) and accept 2 hydrogen bonds (one for each lone pair on oxygen).
5. Conclude that a single water molecule can form up to 4 hydrogen bonds with neighboring water molecules in the liquid state.