Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the strongest type of intermolecular force that can exist between two molecules of water (H_2O)?
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13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces
Intermolecular Forces
Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the strongest type of intermolecular force that can exist between a polar solute and water as the solvent?
A
Dipole-dipole interactions
B
Ion-dipole interactions
C
London dispersion forces
D
Hydrogen bonding
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the types of intermolecular forces listed: dipole-dipole interactions, ion-dipole interactions, London dispersion forces, and hydrogen bonding.
Recall that water is a highly polar solvent capable of hydrogen bonding due to its O-H bonds and lone pairs on oxygen.
Understand that hydrogen bonding is a special, stronger type of dipole-dipole interaction that occurs when hydrogen is bonded to highly electronegative atoms like oxygen, nitrogen, or fluorine.
Compare the strength of the forces: London dispersion forces are the weakest, dipole-dipole interactions are stronger, ion-dipole interactions are stronger still, but hydrogen bonding is often the strongest among typical intermolecular forces involving polar molecules like water.
Conclude that when a polar solute capable of hydrogen bonding is dissolved in water, the strongest intermolecular force between them is hydrogen bonding.
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