hat is the maximum number of hydrogen bonds that one water molecule can have with neighboring water molecules?Answers: A. 1B. 2C. 3D. 4E. 5

Break Down the Problem

1. Identify the structure of a water molecule (H₂O).
2. Determine the potential for hydrogen bonding between water molecules.

Relevant Concepts

1. Each water molecule has two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.
2. The oxygen atom can form hydrogen bonds with hydrogen atoms of neighboring water molecules.

Analysis and Detail

1. Each oxygen can form up to two hydrogen bonds with neighboring water molecules (one with each hydrogen atom).
2. Each hydrogen can form one hydrogen bond with a neighboring water molecule.

Verify and Summarize

• A single water molecule can potentially form a maximum of four hydrogen bonds with neighboring water molecules (two through its oxygen atom and two through its hydrogen atoms).

Final Answer

D. 4