Which of the following types of bonding or intermolecular forces is the weakest?

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

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the types of bonding and intermolecular forces listed: Ionic bonding, Hydrogen bonding, Dipole-dipole interactions, and London dispersion forces.
2. Step 2: Recall that ionic bonding is a strong electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions, typically much stronger than intermolecular forces.
3. Step 3: Recognize that hydrogen bonding is a special, relatively strong type of dipole-dipole interaction occurring when hydrogen is bonded to highly electronegative atoms like N, O, or F.
4. Step 4: Know that dipole-dipole interactions occur between polar molecules due to the attraction of their permanent dipoles, which are weaker than hydrogen bonds but stronger than London dispersion forces.
5. Step 5: Understand that London dispersion forces are temporary, induced dipole interactions present in all molecules but are the weakest type of intermolecular force because they arise from momentary fluctuations in electron distribution.