The water molecules remain attached together and do not separate because of this bonding:

Explanation

Non-covalent: Non-covalent bonds are a class of chemical interactions that do not involve the sharing of electrons between atoms. Instead, they are relatively weaker interactions, including hydrogen bonds, van der Waals forces, and electrostatic interactions. While hydrogen bonds are a type of non-covalent bond, it is more specific to mention "hydrogen bonds" rather than the broader term "non-covalent. Ionic: Ionic bonds involve the complete transfer of electrons from one atom to another, resulting in the formation of positively charged ions (cations) and negatively charged ions (anions). These oppositely charged ions are held together by electrostatic attractions, forming a strong bond. Water does not form ionic bonds with itself, so this option is not the correct one. Hydrogen: The correct option is hydrogen bonds. Water molecules are held together by hydrogen bonds. A hydrogen bond is a type of non-covalent bond formed between a partially positive hydrogen atom and a partially negative atom of another molecule or within the same molecule. In water, each water molecule contains two hydrogen atoms covalently bonded to a central oxygen atom. The oxygen atom is more electronegative than hydrogen, resulting in a partial negative charge on the oxygen atom and partial positive charges on the hydrogen atoms. These partial charges allow water molecules to form hydrogen bonds with each other. The hydrogen of one water molecule is attracted to the oxygen of another water molecule, creating a network of hydrogen bonds that hold the water molecules together in a cohesive structure. Hydrophobic: Hydrophobic interactions are interactions between nonpolar molecules that exclude water. Water molecules tend to cluster together to minimize their contact with nonpolar substances. While hydrophobic interactions play a role in the self-assembly of nonpolar molecules, they do not directly account for the cohesion of water molecules. In conclusion, water molecules remain attached together primarily due to the bonding of hydrogen bonds (c). These hydrogen bonds are responsible for the unique properties of water, including its high surface tension, cohesion, and the ability to dissolve various substances.