How many hydrogen atoms is each oxygen atom in ice bound to?

Study for the OSAT Physical Science Test. Practice with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

In ice, each oxygen atom is bound to two hydrogen atoms. This arrangement forms a stable molecular structure where each oxygen atom shares covalent bonds with two hydrogen atoms, resulting in the chemical formula H2O, which describes water. When water freezes to form ice, the molecules arrange themselves into a crystalline structure that maximizes hydrogen bonding, but the covalently bonded ratio of two hydrogen atoms for every oxygen atom remains unchanged.

The other options do not accurately represent the molecular structure of ice. For instance, one hydrogen atom, three hydrogen atoms, or four hydrogen atoms bound to a single oxygen atom do not occur in either liquid water or ice, as they would not be consistent with the established bonding characteristics of water molecules. Hence, the correct understanding is that each oxygen atom in ice is bonded to two hydrogen atoms.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy