Hydrogen bonding is strongest between molecules of
(1)H2S
(2)H20
(3)H2Se
(4)H2Te
H2O. The electronegativity of O is greatest.
H2o
Hydrogen bonding occurs when a hydrogen atom is bonded to a highly electronegative atom, such as oxygen, nitrogen, or fluorine. Among the given options, the molecule that contains a hydrogen atom bonded to an electronegative atom is H2O (water), option (2). Therefore, hydrogen bonding is strongest between molecules of H2O.
To determine which molecule has the strongest hydrogen bonding, we need to compare the strength of the hydrogen bonds in each molecule.
Hydrogen bonding occurs when a hydrogen atom is bonded to a highly electronegative atom (such as oxygen, fluorine, or nitrogen) and interacts with a lone pair of electrons on another electronegative atom.
Looking at the molecules mentioned:
1) H2S (Hydrogen sulfide) has only one hydrogen atom bonded to a sulfur atom. Sulfur is less electronegative than oxygen, so hydrogen bonding in H2S is weaker compared to the other options.
2) H2O (Water) has two hydrogen atoms bonded to an oxygen atom. Oxygen is highly electronegative, making water capable of forming strong hydrogen bonds. Water has the strongest hydrogen bonding among the given options.
3) H2Se (Hydrogen selenide) is similar to hydrogen sulfide. It has one hydrogen atom bonded to a selenium atom, which is less electronegative than oxygen. Hence, hydrogen bonding in H2Se is weaker compared to water.
4) H2Te (Hydrogen telluride) is the least electronegative among the options, as tellurium is a heavy nonmetal. Therefore, the hydrogen bonding in H2Te is generally weaker compared to both water and hydrogen selenide.
In conclusion, hydrogen bonding is strongest between molecules of H2O (option 2) among the given choices.