Bond length of a hydrogen bond

In summary, the length of a hydrogen bond is about 2 Angstroms, which is twice the length of the O-H covalent bond. The force between atoms is repulsive at small distances and attractive at large distances, resulting in an equilibrium distance where the atoms prefer to stay. The bond length is determined by the number of electrons participating in bond formation, bond strength, and bond dissociation energy. In a bond between two identical atoms, half the bond distance is equal to the covalent radius.
  • #1
sghan
10
1
Hello, in ice I have read that the average bond length of the hydrogen bond is about 2 Angstroms. This is roughly twice the O-H (covalent) bond length. My question is what really determines the length of the hydrogen bond? Why wouldn't the hydrogen be drawn closer to the next water molecule's oxygen: what is the source of repulsion?
Thanks and apologies for the naïve tone!
 
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  • #2
When two atoms come very close, the force between them is always repulsive, because the electrons stay outside and the nuclei repel each other.
Unless both atoms are ions of the same charge (e.g., both negative) the forces between atoms is always attractive at large internuclear distances r.

Since the force is repulsive at small r, and attractive at large r, there is a distance at which the force is zero. This is the equilibrium distance at which the atoms prefer to stay.

The interaction energy is the potential energy between the atoms. It is negative if the atoms are bound and positive if they can move away from each other.
The interaction energy is the integral of the force over the separation distance, so these two quantities are directly related.
The interaction energy is a minimum at the equilibrium position. This value of the energy is called the bond energy,

Bond length is related to bond order: when more electrons participate in bond formation the bond is shorter. Bond length is also inversely related to bond strength and the bond dissociation energy: all other things being equal, a stronger bond will be shorter.
In a bond between two identical atoms, half the bond distance is equal to the covalent radius.
for details see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bond_length
 

Related to Bond length of a hydrogen bond

1. What is the bond length of a hydrogen bond?

The bond length of a hydrogen bond can vary depending on the strength of the bond and the molecules involved. On average, the bond length is typically between 1.5-2.5 Angstroms (Å).

2. How does the bond length of a hydrogen bond compare to other types of bonds?

The bond length of a hydrogen bond is typically longer than covalent bonds, which have a bond length of 1-1.5 Å. However, it is shorter than ionic bonds, which have a bond length of 2.5-3.3 Å.

3. What factors affect the bond length of a hydrogen bond?

The strength of a hydrogen bond is influenced by several factors, including the electronegativity of the atoms involved, the distance between the atoms, and the presence of any other intermolecular forces.

4. Can the bond length of a hydrogen bond change?

Yes, the bond length of a hydrogen bond can change depending on the conditions. For example, as temperature increases, the bond length may increase due to thermal energy causing the molecules to vibrate more.

5. Why is the bond length of a hydrogen bond important?

The bond length of a hydrogen bond is important because it determines the strength of the bond, which can affect the properties of molecules and how they interact with each other. It also plays a crucial role in many biological processes, such as protein folding and DNA replication.

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