Question

how does the strength of intermolecular bonds within a water molecule compare to the strength of intermolecular bonds between water molecules?
the strength of both intramolecular and
intermolecular water bonds of water molecules is
the same.
the intermolecular bonds between water
molecules are stronger than the intramolecular
bonds within a water molecule.
the intramolecular bonds within a water
molecule are stronger than the intermolecular
bonds between water molecules.
while water molecules are held together by
intermolecular bonds, there are no
intermolecular bonds between water molecules.

Explanation:

Step1: Understand intermolecular and intramolecular bonds

Intramolecular bonds are the bonds within a molecule (e.g., covalent bonds in \(H - O - H\) of water). Intermolecular bonds are the bonds between molecules (e.g., hydrogen bonds between water molecules).

Step2: Compare their strengths

Intramolecular bonds (covalent in water) are stronger than intermolecular bonds (hydrogen bonds in water). For example, it takes more energy to break \(H - O\) (intramolecular) than to break the hydrogen bond (intermolecular) between water molecules.

Answer:

The intramolecular bonds within a water molecule are stronger than the intermolecular bonds between water molecules (Option b).