What could the attraction between neighboring water molecules be referred to as? (3 answers)

Intermolecular forces

Intramolecular forces

Hydrogen bonds

Electrostatic forces

Polar covalent bonds

3 answers

The attraction between neighboring water molecules can be referred to as:

  1. Intermolecular forces - These are forces of attraction or repulsion that act between neighboring particles (atoms, molecules, or ions).

  2. Hydrogen bonds - This is a specific type of intermolecular force that occurs between molecules containing hydrogen atoms bonded to highly electronegative atoms like oxygen, which is the case in water molecules.

  3. Electrostatic forces - These are forces that occur between charged particles; in the context of water molecules, the partial positive charge of hydrogen atoms and the partial negative charge of oxygen atoms create attractive electrostatic interactions.

So, the three relevant answers are Intermolecular forces, Hydrogen bonds, and Electrostatic forces.

choose one

If I had to choose one, I would go with Hydrogen bonds. This term specifically describes the attraction between neighboring water molecules due to the presence of hydrogen bonding between the hydrogen atom of one water molecule and the oxygen atom of another.