hydrogen bond

A hydrogen bond is a type of attractive force that occurs between molecules, specifically when a hydrogen atom bonded to a highly electronegative atom like oxygen or nitrogen interacts with another nearby electronegative atom. This creates a delicate "link" that influences the properties of substances, such as water's high surface tension and boiling point. Hydrogen bonds are weaker than covalent or ionic bonds but stronger than van der Waals forces, playing a crucial role in the structure of biological molecules like DNA and proteins. They help stabilize molecular shapes and facilitate important chemical interactions.