The boiling point of water is higher than that of HF because of _ hydrogen bonding.
Correct answer: A. Strong
- A. Strong
- B. Moderate
- C. Weak
- D. Constant
Explanation
Both H2O and HF have electronegative oxygen and fluorine atoms respectively in their molecule. In fact, Fluorine is more electronegative than Oxygen, so technically, HF should engage in more hydrogen bonding than water. But the scenario is different. Each water molecule has two hydrogen atoms. Whereas, each HF molecule has only one hydrogen atom. And hence, water molecule takes part in extensive and more hydrogen bonding than Hydrofluoric acid. Water molecule through its extensive hydrogen bonding forms bulky molecule and it is very difficult to break its bonds. A large amount of energy is required to break all its bonds. Thus H2O has a higher boiling point than HF.
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About Hydrogen Bonding
Hydrogen bonding is the strong attraction between hydrogen attached to nitrogen, oxygen or fluorine and an electronegative atom in the same or another molecule. It explains unusual boiling points, viscosity, surface tension, water's properties and the difference between intermolecular and intramolecular hydrogen bonding.
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