Which type of bond must be broken for H_2O to vaporize?

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

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the types of bonds present in water (H_2O). Water molecules have covalent bonds within each molecule, where hydrogen and oxygen atoms share electrons.
2. Understand the difference between intramolecular and intermolecular bonds: Intramolecular bonds are within a molecule (like covalent bonds in H_2O), while intermolecular bonds occur between molecules (like hydrogen bonds between water molecules).
3. Recall that vaporization involves changing water from liquid to gas, which means water molecules must separate from each other.
4. Recognize that to separate water molecules, the intermolecular forces (hydrogen bonds) between them must be broken, not the covalent bonds inside each molecule.
5. Conclude that the bonds broken during vaporization are the hydrogen bonds between water molecules, allowing them to move freely as gas.