Will oxygen molecules be attracted to each other like water molecules?
Understand the Problem
The question asks whether oxygen molecules exhibit intermolecular attraction similar to water molecules. This involves understanding the polarity of both molecules and the types of intermolecular forces that can arise.
Answer
No, oxygen molecules (O2) are not attracted to each other like water molecules because they are non-polar and lack the ability to form hydrogen bonds.
Oxygen molecules (O2) are generally not attracted to each other in the same way that water molecules are. Water (H2O) is a polar molecule due to the difference in electronegativity between oxygen and hydrogen, leading to hydrogen bonding. Oxygen molecules, consisting of two identical oxygen atoms, share electrons equally and are non-polar, resulting in weak intermolecular forces (van der Waals forces) rather than strong attractions.
Answer for screen readers
Oxygen molecules (O2) are generally not attracted to each other in the same way that water molecules are. Water (H2O) is a polar molecule due to the difference in electronegativity between oxygen and hydrogen, leading to hydrogen bonding. Oxygen molecules, consisting of two identical oxygen atoms, share electrons equally and are non-polar, resulting in weak intermolecular forces (van der Waals forces) rather than strong attractions.
More Information
Water's polarity leads to hydrogen bonding, a relatively strong intermolecular force, whereas oxygen molecules only exhibit weak van der Waals forces.
Tips
A common mistake is assuming all molecules are attracted to each other equally. Polarity and the ability to form hydrogen bonds are crucial factors in determining the strength of intermolecular attractions.
Sources
- Lesson 5.1: Water is a Polar Molecule - American Chemical Society - acs.org
- Hydrogen bonds in water (article) - Khan Academy - khanacademy.org
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