Question

how does the strength of intramolecular bonds within a water molecule compare to the strength of intermolecular bonds between water molecules?
a the strength of both intramolecular and intermolecular water bonds of water molecules is the same.
b the intermolecular bonds between water molecules are stronger than the intramolecular bonds within a water molecule.
c the intramolecular bonds within a water molecule are stronger than the intermolecular bonds between water molecules.
d while water molecules are held together by intramolecular bonds, there are no intermolecular bonds between water molecules.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze the types of bonds:

• Intramolecular bonds in a water molecule ($\ce{H2O}$) are covalent bonds (between $\ce{H}$ and $\ce{O}$), which are strong.
• Intermolecular bonds between water molecules are hydrogen bonds, which are weaker than covalent bonds.

Now we evaluate each option:

• Option a: Incorrect, as covalent and hydrogen bonds differ in strength.
• Option b: Incorrect, hydrogen bonds (intermolecular) are weaker than covalent (intramolecular).
• Option c: Correct, intramolecular covalent bonds are stronger than intermolecular hydrogen bonds.
• Option d: Incorrect, water has both intramolecular (covalent) and intermolecular (hydrogen) bonds.

Answer:

c. The intramolecular bonds within a water molecule are stronger than the intermolecular bonds between water molecules.