Question

the bond between the oxygen atom and a hydrogen atom in a water molecule is a(n) ______ bond.
noncovalent

hydrophobic

ionic

hydrogen

covalent

Explanation:

In a water molecule ($H_2O$), oxygen and hydrogen atoms share electrons to achieve stable electron configurations. This electron-sharing interaction defines a covalent bond. Noncovalent bonds (e.g., hydrogen bonds) are intermolecular, not intramolecular like the O-H bond here. Ionic bonds involve electron transfer, not sharing, and hydrophobic interactions relate to water repellency, not chemical bonding between O and H. Thus, the bond is covalent.

Answer:

E. covalent