* Covalent Bonds: These are strong bonds formed by the sharing of electrons between atoms. In water (H₂O), the oxygen atom shares electrons with each of the two hydrogen atoms, forming a stable molecule. These covalent bonds remain intact during evaporation.
* Hydrogen Bonds: These are weaker bonds that form between molecules due to the attraction between a slightly positive hydrogen atom in one molecule and a slightly negative oxygen atom in another molecule. These bonds are responsible for the unique properties of water, like its high boiling point and surface tension.
During evaporation:
1. Heat energy is absorbed by water molecules, increasing their kinetic energy.
2. The increased energy causes the molecules to vibrate and move faster.
3. Hydrogen bonds between water molecules are weakened and eventually break.
4. Individual water molecules escape from the liquid phase into the gaseous phase (water vapor).
In essence, evaporation breaks the intermolecular forces (hydrogen bonds) holding water molecules together, but it does not disrupt the intramolecular forces (covalent bonds) within each water molecule.
