Which of the following is broken when water (H_2O) evaporates?

• A. Metallic bonds within water molecules
• B. Ionic bonds between water molecules
• C. Hydrogen bonds between water molecules
• D. Covalent bonds within water molecules

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the types of bonds mentioned: metallic bonds, ionic bonds, hydrogen bonds, and covalent bonds, and identify which are present in water.
2. Recall that water (H_2O) molecules are held together internally by covalent bonds between hydrogen and oxygen atoms within each molecule.
3. Recognize that water molecules interact with each other through hydrogen bonds, which are intermolecular forces, not actual bonds within a molecule.
4. Note that metallic bonds are not present in water because water is a molecular compound, not a metal, and ionic bonds are not present between water molecules since water is neutral and molecular.
5. When water evaporates, the process involves breaking the hydrogen bonds between water molecules to allow them to separate and enter the gas phase, while the covalent bonds within each water molecule remain intact.