A water molecule can form hydrogen bonds with up to how many other water molecules?

• A. 2
• B. 5
• C. 3
• D. 4

Answer: (D)

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 two lone pairs of electrons on the oxygen.
2. Recall that hydrogen bonding occurs when a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to an electronegative atom (like oxygen) interacts with a lone pair of electrons on another electronegative atom.
3. Recognize that each water molecule can act as a hydrogen bond donor through its two hydrogen atoms and as a hydrogen bond acceptor through its two lone pairs on oxygen.
4. Therefore, a single water molecule can form hydrogen bonds with up to four other water molecules: two bonds via its hydrogen atoms and two bonds via its lone pairs.
5. Conclude that the maximum number of hydrogen bonds a water molecule can form with other water molecules is 4.