Multiple Choice
Which of the following molecules will engage in the strongest dispersion (London) forces?
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13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces
Intermolecular Forces
Multiple Choice
Which type of intermolecular force is primarily responsible for making ice less dense than liquid water?
A
Ionic bonding
B
Hydrogen bonding
C
London dispersion forces
D
Dipole-dipole interactions
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that the question asks about the intermolecular force responsible for ice being less dense than liquid water, which relates to how water molecules interact in different phases.
Recall that ionic bonding occurs between ions and is not relevant to the interactions between water molecules in ice or liquid water.
Recognize that London dispersion forces are weak, temporary forces present in all molecules but are not the primary reason for the unique density behavior of water.
Consider dipole-dipole interactions, which occur between polar molecules, but water's behavior is more specifically influenced by a stronger type of dipole interaction.
Identify hydrogen bonding as a special, strong type of dipole-dipole interaction involving hydrogen atoms bonded to highly electronegative atoms (like oxygen in water), which causes the open hexagonal structure of ice, making it less dense than liquid water.
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