Multiple Choice
Which is the strongest type of van der Waals force present between molecules of water (H_2O)?
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13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces
Intermolecular Forces
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Which types of intermolecular forces are present between molecules of ethanol (C2H5OH)?
A
Only dipole-dipole interactions
B
Ionic bonding and London dispersion forces
C
Only London dispersion forces
D
Hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole interactions, and London dispersion forces
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the molecular structure of ethanol (C2H5OH), noting that it contains a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to an ethyl group (C2H5).
Recognize that the -OH group is highly polar due to the electronegativity difference between oxygen and hydrogen, which allows for hydrogen bonding between ethanol molecules.
Understand that ethanol molecules also have permanent dipoles because of the polar -OH group, so dipole-dipole interactions are present.
Remember that all molecules, including ethanol, exhibit London dispersion forces (also called van der Waals forces) due to temporary fluctuations in electron density.
Conclude that ethanol exhibits hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole interactions, and London dispersion forces as its intermolecular forces.
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