Which of the following processes occurs when water dissolves sugar?

• A. Covalent bond breaking in water molecules
• B. Ionic bond formation between water and sugar
• C. Hydrogen bonding between water molecules and sugar molecules
• D. Precipitation of sugar from solution

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the nature of sugar and water molecules: Sugar molecules are covalently bonded and do not ionize in water, while water molecules are polar and capable of hydrogen bonding.
2. Recall that dissolving sugar in water involves interactions between sugar molecules and water molecules without breaking covalent bonds within either molecule.
3. Recognize that ionic bond formation is not applicable here because sugar does not form ions in solution; it remains as neutral molecules.
4. Identify that the primary interaction responsible for dissolving sugar in water is hydrogen bonding, where the polar -OH groups in sugar form hydrogen bonds with water molecules.
5. Conclude that the process occurring when water dissolves sugar is hydrogen bonding between water molecules and sugar molecules, facilitating sugar's dissolution.