What is the strongest intermolecular force possible between molecules of ammonia (NH_3)?

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

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the types of intermolecular forces that can occur between molecules: London dispersion forces, dipole-dipole interactions, hydrogen bonding, and ion-dipole interactions.
2. Examine the molecular structure of ammonia (NH_3). Note that nitrogen is highly electronegative and bonded to hydrogen atoms, creating a polar molecule with a significant dipole moment.
3. Determine if hydrogen bonding is possible by checking if hydrogen is directly bonded to a highly electronegative atom such as nitrogen, oxygen, or fluorine. In NH_3, hydrogen is bonded to nitrogen, which satisfies this condition.
4. Recognize that hydrogen bonding is a special, stronger type of dipole-dipole interaction that occurs when hydrogen is bonded to N, O, or F, making it stronger than regular dipole-dipole forces and London dispersion forces.
5. Conclude that the strongest intermolecular force in ammonia is hydrogen bonding because of the N-H bonds and the molecule's polarity.