Problem 5
Question
In a hydrogen bond, a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to one molecule weakly interacts with a ___ part of a neighboring molecule. a. polar b. nonpolar c. hydrophobic
Step-by-Step Solution
Verified Answer
The hydrogen atom interacts with a polar part of a neighboring molecule.
1Step 1: Understand the Concept of Hydrogen Bonding
Hydrogen bonds occur when a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to a highly electronegative atom (like oxygen, nitrogen, or fluorine) forms a weak interaction with another electronegative atom from a neighboring molecule.
2Step 2: Analyze the Options
Given the choices: a) polar, b) nonpolar, c) hydrophobic, you need to determine which type of part of the neighboring molecule the hydrogen atom interacts with.
3Step 3: Determine the Correct Option
The hydrogen atom, being part of a polar covalent bond within its own molecule, typically interacts with another polar area. This is because hydrogen bonds require an electronegative atom from another molecule to occur, which is characteristic of polar regions.
Key Concepts
Covalent BondElectronegative AtomPolar Interaction
Covalent Bond
A covalent bond is a type of chemical bond where atoms share pairs of electrons. These bonds form between non-metal atoms, allowing them to create molecules. In the case of hydrogen bonding, the hydrogen atom is covalently bonded to a highly electronegative atom, such as oxygen, nitrogen, or fluorine. This creates a strong bond within the molecule itself.
When atoms share electrons, they achieve full outer electron shells, making them more stable. This type of bonding is essential in forming the stable structures of many important molecules, including water (H₂O) and carbon dioxide (CO₂).
Unlike ionic bonds which involve electron transfer, covalent bonds involve electron sharing, which can occur equally or unequally. Let's look at how electronegativity affects this sharing.
When atoms share electrons, they achieve full outer electron shells, making them more stable. This type of bonding is essential in forming the stable structures of many important molecules, including water (H₂O) and carbon dioxide (CO₂).
Unlike ionic bonds which involve electron transfer, covalent bonds involve electron sharing, which can occur equally or unequally. Let's look at how electronegativity affects this sharing.
Electronegative Atom
An electronegative atom is one that attracts electrons more strongly than other atoms. In the context of hydrogen bonding, common electronegative atoms include oxygen, nitrogen, and fluorine.
These atoms tend to pull shared electrons toward themselves when they form covalent bonds. This uneven distribution of electrons creates a partial negative charge on the more electronegative atom and a partial positive charge on the less electronegative one, namely hydrogen in most hydrogen bonds.
These atoms tend to pull shared electrons toward themselves when they form covalent bonds. This uneven distribution of electrons creates a partial negative charge on the more electronegative atom and a partial positive charge on the less electronegative one, namely hydrogen in most hydrogen bonds.
- Oxygen, with high electronegativity, attracts electrons strongly.
- Nitrogen also has strong electronegativity, making it key in forming hydrogen bonds in organic molecules.
- Fluorine is the most electronegative, leading to highly polar bonds when combined with hydrogen.
Polar Interaction
Polar interactions occur when a molecule has regions of partial positive and negative charges due to the uneven distribution of electrons. This is a direct result of having electronegative atoms in covalent bonds.
In hydrogen bonds, these polar interactions are essential. The positively charged hydrogen, bonded to one molecule, is attracted to the negatively charged atom of a neighboring molecule.
In hydrogen bonds, these polar interactions are essential. The positively charged hydrogen, bonded to one molecule, is attracted to the negatively charged atom of a neighboring molecule.
- Water is a classic example of a molecule with polar interactions due to hydrogen bonding.
- Polar amino acids in proteins can form hydrogen bonds, crucial for maintaining the protein's structure.
Other exercises in this chapter
Problem 3
A(n) ___ is any molecule to which a radioisotope has been attached for research or diagnostic purposes. a. ion b. isotope c. element d. tracer
View solution Problem 4
Atoms share electrons unequally in a(n)___ bond. a. ionic b. hydrogen c. polar covalent d. nonpolar covalent
View solution Problem 6
Liquid water shows ___. a. polarity b. hydrogen-bonding capacity c. notable heat resistance d. cohesion e. b through d f. all of the above
View solution Problem 7
Hydrogen ions \(\left(\mathrm{H}^{+}\right)\) are ___. a. the basis of pH values b. unbound protons c. targets of certain buffers d. dissolved in blood e. both
View solution