Algonquin College Health Program Assessment (AC-HPAT) Practice Exam

What is a hydrogen bond?

1. A weak bond that forms between dipoles of consecutive polar molecules

2. A strong bond that forms between nonpolar molecules

3. A stable bond formed between two metal atoms

4. A bond that involves sharing of electrons equally

The correct answer is: A weak bond that forms between dipoles of consecutive polar molecules

A hydrogen bond is indeed identified as a weak bond that forms between dipoles of consecutive polar molecules. This type of bond occurs when a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to a highly electronegative atom, such as oxygen or nitrogen, experiences an attraction to another electronegative atom in a nearby polar molecule. The resulting interaction is characterized by its relative weakness compared to covalent or ionic bonds, which arises due to the partial positive charge of the hydrogen atom being attracted to the partial negative charge of the electronegative atom in another molecule. This bond plays a crucial role in various biological processes and is integral to the properties of water, the structure of proteins, and the stability of DNA. The recognition of hydrogen bonds is important for understanding molecular interactions in biological systems and the behavior of substances in different states. In comparison, the other choices describe concepts that do not accurately reflect the nature of hydrogen bonds.