Which type of intermolecular attractive force operates between all molecules, regardless of their polarity?

• A. Hydrogen bonding
• B. Ion-dipole forces
• C. Dipole-dipole interactions
• D. London dispersion forces

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that intermolecular forces are the forces of attraction or repulsion between neighboring molecules, which influence physical properties like boiling and melting points.
2. Recognize that hydrogen bonding occurs only when hydrogen is bonded to highly electronegative atoms like N, O, or F, so it does not apply to all molecules.
3. Know that ion-dipole forces occur between ions and polar molecules, so they require the presence of ions and are not universal.
4. Identify that dipole-dipole interactions happen only between polar molecules, so nonpolar molecules do not experience these forces.
5. Learn that London dispersion forces (also called induced dipole-induced dipole forces) arise from temporary fluctuations in electron distribution in all molecules, making them the only intermolecular force present in every molecule regardless of polarity.