Which type of intermolecular force is generally considered the weakest attraction between molecules?

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

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that intermolecular forces are attractions between molecules that affect physical properties like boiling and melting points.
2. Recognize the main 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.
4. Know that hydrogen bonding is a special, strong type of dipole-dipole interaction involving hydrogen bonded to highly electronegative atoms like N, O, or F.
5. Identify London dispersion forces as the weakest intermolecular force, arising from temporary fluctuations in electron distribution creating instantaneous dipoles even in nonpolar molecules.