The Question is from neet-chemistry p-block-elements water, and it was created by the author Mr. S M HUSSAIN

Question

The high surface tension of water is primarily due to:

Mr. S M HUSSAIN · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: A
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Intermolecular forces and their effect on surface tension
 **Related Topics**: Hydrogen bonding, Van der Waals forces, Covalent bonding, Ionic bonding, Surface tension
 **Prerequisites**: Understanding of different types of intermolecular forces and their relative strengths.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
  The question asks about the primary cause of water's high surface tension.
  We need to consider the types of intermolecular forces present in water.
**Method & Steps**:
 1. Identify the types of intermolecular forces present in water.
  Reasoning: Water molecules ($H_2O$) are polar due to the electronegativity difference between oxygen and hydrogen atoms.  This polarity leads to strong intermolecular attractions.
  Formula/Rule: None directly applicable, but understanding the nature of different intermolecular forces is crucial.
 2. Compare the strengths of different intermolecular forces in water.
  Working: Water molecules exhibit hydrogen bonding (a special type of dipole-dipole interaction), Van der Waals forces, and covalent bonding (within the molecule itself). Hydrogen bonds are significantly stronger than Van der Waals forces.
  Key Point: Covalent bonds are intramolecular forces (within a molecule), not intermolecular forces (between molecules).  Ionic interactions are relevant for ionic compounds, not water.
 3. Determine the primary contributor to surface tension.
  Result: Hydrogen bonding is the primary reason for water's high surface tension. It creates a strong cohesive force between water molecules at the surface, leading to a minimized surface area and high surface tension.
  Verification:  The high surface tension of water is a well-established fact, explained by the strong hydrogen bonding between its molecules.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
A ✓: Hydrogen bonding between water molecules: This is correct. Hydrogen bonds are strong intermolecular forces that significantly contribute to water's high surface tension.
B :x: Van der Waals forces between water molecules: While present, Van der Waals forces are weaker than hydrogen bonds in water and do not primarily account for its high surface tension.
C :x: Covalent bonding between water molecules: Covalent bonds are intramolecular forces within the water molecule itself, not intermolecular forces between molecules. They don't directly contribute to surface tension.
D :x: Ionic interactions between water molecules: Water is a covalent molecule, not an ionic compound.  Ionic interactions are not significant in pure water.
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1.Confusing intramolecular (covalent) bonds with intermolecular forces:  Remember that surface tension involves forces *between* molecules, not *within* molecules.
  2.Underestimating the strength of hydrogen bonds: Hydrogen bonds are relatively strong intermolecular forces compared to other types like dipole-dipole or London dispersion forces.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1.Remember that hydrogen bonding occurs when hydrogen is bonded to a highly electronegative atom (like oxygen, nitrogen, or fluorine).
  2.Think about the properties of water that are directly related to its high surface tension (e.g., meniscus formation, capillary action).

Mr. S M HUSSAIN · Answer

The correct Option is "Hydrogen bonding between water molecules"

Mr. S M HUSSAIN · Answer

Van der Waals forces between water molecules

Mr. S M HUSSAIN · Answer

Covalent bonding between water molecules

Mr. S M HUSSAIN · Answer

Ionic interactions between water molecules

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