Which statement best describes what happens during hydrogen bonding?

A. The partial is negative hydrogen atom in one molecule and a partial positive atom in another molecule experience attraction
B. The partial positive hydrogen atom in one molecule and a partial positive atom in another molecule experience attraction
C. The partial positive hydrogen atom in one molecule and a partial negative atom in another molecule experience attraction
D. The electronegative hydrogen atom in one molecule and a partial negative atom in another molecule experience attraction

1 answer

The statement that best describes what happens during hydrogen bonding is:

C. The partial positive hydrogen atom in one molecule and a partial negative atom in another molecule experience attraction.

In hydrogen bonding, a hydrogen atom bonded to a highly electronegative atom (like oxygen, nitrogen, or fluorine) develops a partial positive charge, which can then attract a nearby electronegative atom (with a partial negative charge) from another molecule.