Which of the following diagrams best represents the bonding between molecules of water and ethanol?
(A)
H H O H
| |
H---C---C---O
| | H
H H
(B)
H H H
| | |
H---C---C---O---H
| | H
H H
(C)
H H O
| |
H---C---C---H
| | H
H H
(D)
H H H
| | |
H---C---C---O
| | H
O H - HSC - SSCE Chemistry - Question 5 - 2016 - Paper 1
Question 5
Which of the following diagrams best represents the bonding between molecules of water and ethanol?
(A)
H H O H
| |
H---C---C---O
| | H
H H... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Which of the following diagrams best represents the bonding between molecules of water and ethanol?
(A)
H H O H
| |
H---C---C---O
| | H
H H
(B)
H H H
| | |
H---C---C---O---H
| | H
H H
(C)
H H O
| |
H---C---C---H
| | H
H H
(D)
H H H
| | |
H---C---C---O
| | H
O H - HSC - SSCE Chemistry - Question 5 - 2016 - Paper 1
Step 1
Identify the bonding between water and ethanol
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Answer
To determine which diagram best represents the bonding between water and ethanol, we need to evaluate the diagrams based on the characteristics of hydrogen bonding. Water (H₂O) can form hydrogen bonds through its hydrogen atoms with electronegative atoms like oxygen in ethanol (C₂H₅OH).
In the context of the options given:
(A) shows hydrogen bonds but incorrectly positions them.
(B) accurately illustrates the hydrogen bond between the hydroxyl (-OH) group of ethanol and the water molecule.
(C) also shows a bonding scenario but doesn’t accurately reflect the typical interaction.
(D) is similar to (C) and lacks correct representation.
Thus, Diagram (B) best represents the bonding, as it clearly indicates the hydrogen bond interactions between the molecules of water and ethanol.