Which type of intermolecular force is generally considered the weakest?

• 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 between molecules, and they vary in strength depending on the type of interaction.
2. Identify the common types of intermolecular forces: ion-dipole forces, hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole interactions, and London dispersion forces.
3. Recall that ion-dipole forces occur between ions and polar molecules and are generally quite strong due to the full charge on the ion.
4. Recognize that hydrogen bonding is a special, strong type of dipole-dipole interaction that occurs when hydrogen is bonded to highly electronegative atoms like N, O, or F.
5. Know that London dispersion forces arise from temporary fluctuations in electron distribution in molecules, creating instantaneous dipoles; these forces are present in all molecules but are generally the weakest among the listed intermolecular forces.