Multiple Choice
Water molecules stay close to each other as a result of the existence of which type of intermolecular force?
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13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces
Intermolecular Forces
Multiple Choice
Which type of intermolecular force is primarily responsible for the interactions between O_2 molecules in the liquid or solid state?
A
Dipole-dipole interactions
B
London dispersion forces
C
Ion-dipole forces
D
Hydrogen bonding
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the molecular structure and polarity of O_2. Since O_2 is a diatomic molecule composed of two identical oxygen atoms, it is nonpolar and does not have a permanent dipole moment.
Recall that dipole-dipole interactions occur between molecules with permanent dipoles, which O_2 lacks, so these forces are not significant here.
Understand that hydrogen bonding requires a hydrogen atom bonded to highly electronegative atoms like N, O, or F, which is not present in O_2 molecules.
Recognize that ion-dipole forces involve interactions between ions and polar molecules, which is not applicable to neutral O_2 molecules.
Conclude that the primary intermolecular force between O_2 molecules is London dispersion forces, which arise from temporary fluctuations in electron distribution creating instantaneous dipoles even in nonpolar molecules.
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