water has a variety of unique properties, inc...
water has a variety of unique properties, including a low melting point, ability to dissolve other substances, and strong adhesion and cohesion. which statement is most useful for explaining the unique properties of water?\no a. water molecules are nonpolar, so a very minimal electrical force attracts them to one another.\no b. water molecules may sometimes gain or lose an oxygen atom to become ions, which are held together by ionic bonds.\no c. water molecules are held together by hydrogen bonds, which are attractive forces stronger than ionic bonds.\no d. water molecules are held together by hydrogen bonds, which are attractive forces weaker than covalent bonds.
Answer
# Brief Explanations:
- Option A: Water molecules are polar, not non - polar. So this option is incorrect.
- Option B: Water molecules do not gain or lose an oxygen atom to become ions held by ionic bonds. Water has covalent bonds within the molecule and hydrogen bonds between molecules. So this option is incorrect.
- Option C: Hydrogen bonds are weaker than covalent and ionic bonds. So this option is incorrect.
- Option D: Water molecules have polar covalent bonds within the molecule (\(H - O\) bonds). Between water molecules, there are hydrogen bonds. Hydrogen bonds are attractive forces weaker than covalent bonds. The properties of water (low melting point, ability to dissolve substances, adhesion and cohesion) can be explained by the nature of hydrogen bonds. For example, the relatively low melting point is because hydrogen bonds are not as strong as covalent bonds. The ability to dissolve many substances (as a polar solvent) is related to its polar nature and hydrogen - bonding ability. Adhesion (attraction to other substances) and cohesion (attraction between water molecules) are due to hydrogen bonds.
# Answer:
D. Water molecules are held together by hydrogen bonds, which are attractive forces weaker than covalent bonds.