The maximum number of hydrogen bonds formed by a water molecule in ice is

Options

A. 4
B. 1
C. 2
D. 3

Answer

To determine the maximum number of hydrogen bonds formed by a water molecule in ice, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Structure of Ice
Ice has a crystalline structure where water molecules are arranged in a specific pattern. Each water molecule (H₂O) can form hydrogen bonds with neighboring water molecules.

**Hint:** Remember that hydrogen bonds occur between the hydrogen atom of one water molecule and the oxygen atom of another.

### Step 2: Analyze the Water Molecule
A water molecule consists of one oxygen atom (O) and two hydrogen atoms (H). The oxygen atom has a partial negative charge, while the hydrogen atoms have partial positive charges.

**Hint:** Visualize the polarity of the water molecule to understand how hydrogen bonds are formed.

### Step 3: Count the Possible Hydrogen Bonds
In the ice structure, each water molecule can form hydrogen bonds with four neighboring water molecules:
1. One hydrogen atom can bond with the oxygen atom of one neighboring water molecule.
2. The other hydrogen atom can bond with the oxygen atom of another neighboring water molecule.
3. The oxygen atom of the water molecule can also bond with two hydrogen atoms from two other neighboring water molecules.

**Hint:** Think about how each part of the water molecule can interact with others in the ice lattice.

### Step 4: Conclusion
Thus, each water molecule in ice can form a maximum of four hydrogen bonds.

**Final Answer:** The maximum number of hydrogen bonds formed by a water molecule in ice is **4**.

---