The electronegativity values of fluorine, oxygen, and hydrogen are compared in the table. Comparison of Electronegativity Elemen
t Electronegativity Fluorine 4.0 Oxygen 3.5 Hydrogen 2.1 Which of the following statements is true about the strength of the hydrogen bonding in HF and H2O?
The hydrogen bonding in H₂O is stronger than that of HF
Explanation:
Hydrogen bonds are special dipole-dipole attraction in which electrostatic attraction is established between hydrogen atom of one molecule and the electronegative atom of a neighboring molecule.
The strength of hydrogen bonds depends on the how electronegative an atom is.
Electronegativity refers to the tendency of an atom to gain electrons.
The higher the value, the higher the tendency.
This why oxygen with a higher electronegativity will form a stronger hydrogen bond with hydrogen compared to fluorine.
