Which type of intermolecular forces include both attractive and repulsive interactions?

• A. Ionic bonds
• B. Covalent bonds
• C. Hydrogen bonding
• D. Van der Waals forces

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that intermolecular forces are forces between molecules, not within molecules (which are intramolecular bonds like ionic or covalent bonds).
2. Recognize that ionic bonds and covalent bonds are types of intramolecular forces that hold atoms together within a molecule or compound, and they are primarily attractive forces.
3. Recall that hydrogen bonding is a specific type of strong dipole-dipole interaction, which is mainly attractive between molecules containing H bonded to highly electronegative atoms (like N, O, or F).
4. Learn that Van der Waals forces (also called London dispersion forces) arise from temporary fluctuations in electron distribution, causing instantaneous dipoles that induce both attractive and repulsive interactions between molecules.
5. Conclude that Van der Waals forces uniquely include both attractive and repulsive components due to these fluctuating dipoles, distinguishing them from the other listed forces.