Explain why water molecules are described as “sticky”
is it because hydrogen bond that bonds together.
Yes, you are correct! Water molecules are often described as "sticky" because of the hydrogen bonding that occurs between them. Hydrogen bonding is a relatively strong type of intermolecular force that happens when a hydrogen atom of one water molecule is attracted to an oxygen atom of a neighboring water molecule.
To understand why this makes water molecules "sticky," let's dive into the concept of hydrogen bonding:
1. Polarity of Water: A water molecule (H2O) consists of two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom. Oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen, which means it attracts the shared electrons more strongly, causing oxygen to have a partial negative charge (δ-) and hydrogen to have a partial positive charge (δ+).
2. Hydrogen Bonding: The partially negative oxygen atom in one water molecule attracts the partially positive hydrogen atom of a neighboring water molecule. This electrostatic attraction between the δ+ hydrogen and δ- oxygen forms a hydrogen bond.
3. Sticky Nature: Hydrogen bonding gives water its unique properties, including being "sticky." These hydrogen bonds hold water molecules together, creating cohesive forces. It results in water's high surface tension, allowing it to form drops, creates capillary action, and even contributes to water's ability to dissolve substances.
So, water molecules are described as "sticky" because of the hydrogen bonding that forms between them due to the polar nature of water.