Which property typically indicates that strong intermolecular forces are present in a liquid?

• A. Low surface tension
• B. Low viscosity
• C. High vapor pressure
• D. High boiling point

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that intermolecular forces (IMFs) are the forces of attraction between molecules in a liquid, which affect various physical properties.
2. Recall that strong intermolecular forces cause molecules to stick together more tightly, which influences properties like boiling point, vapor pressure, surface tension, and viscosity.
3. Analyze each property: Low surface tension and low viscosity suggest weaker IMFs because molecules do not hold together strongly; high vapor pressure indicates molecules escape easily, also implying weaker IMFs.
4. Recognize that a high boiling point means more energy is required to separate molecules from the liquid phase to the gas phase, which directly indicates strong intermolecular forces.
5. Conclude that among the given options, a high boiling point is the property that typically indicates strong intermolecular forces in a liquid.