Question

In an ice crystal, each water molecule is hydrogen bonded to ___ neighbouring molecules

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 4

Hydrogen Bonding in Ice Crystal Structure 

In an ice crystal, each water molecule forms four hydrogen bonds with its neighboring water molecules.

A water molecule (H2O) has two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. The oxygen atom is more electronegative than hydrogen, creating a polar molecule with a partial negative charge on the oxygen and partial positive charges on the hydrogens.

Each water molecule can act as a hydrogen bond donor through its two hydrogen atoms. The slightly positive hydrogen atoms can interact with the slightly negative oxygen atoms of neighboring water molecules, forming two hydrogen bonds.

Additionally, each water molecule can act as a hydrogen bond acceptor through its two lone pairs of electrons on the oxygen atom. These lone pairs can interact with the slightly positive hydrogen atoms of two other neighboring water molecules, forming two more hydrogen bonds.

Conclusion:

Thus, each water molecule in ice participates in a total of four hydrogen bonds: two as a donor and two as an acceptor, creating a tetrahedral network structure.

Answer 2

In an ice crystal, each water molecule is hydrogen bonded to four neighbouring molecules, forming a tetrahedral arrangement.