What type of bond allows for the formation of hydrogen bonds in water?

The formation of hydrogen bonds in water primarily arises from the presence of polar covalent bonds between the hydrogen atoms and the oxygen atom. In a water molecule (H₂O), the oxygen atom is more electronegative than the hydrogen atoms, which leads to an unequal sharing of electrons and results in a partial negative charge on the oxygen and a partial positive charge on each hydrogen atom.

This polarity enables hydrogen bonds to form between water molecules. Hydrogen bonds occur when the positively charged hydrogen atom of one water molecule is attracted to the negatively charged oxygen atom of another water molecule. This interaction is crucial for many of water's unique properties, such as its high surface tension and its ability to dissolve many substances.

Covalent bonds are responsible for holding the atoms of a water molecule together, which in turn creates the conditions necessary for hydrogen bonds to form between different water molecules.