Which type of intermolecular force is primarily responsible for holding the molecules together in solid ice?

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

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the type of molecules involved in solid ice. Ice is composed of water molecules (H\_2O), which are polar and contain hydrogen atoms bonded to highly electronegative oxygen atoms.
2. Recall the types of intermolecular forces: ionic bonding (between ions), hydrogen bonding (special dipole-dipole involving H and N, O, or F), dipole-dipole interactions (between polar molecules), and London dispersion forces (present in all molecules but dominant in nonpolar molecules).
3. Analyze the nature of water molecules: since water is polar and has hydrogen atoms bonded to oxygen, it can form hydrogen bonds, which are stronger than regular dipole-dipole interactions and London dispersion forces.
4. Understand that ionic bonding is not relevant here because ice is not composed of ions but neutral molecules.
5. Conclude that the primary intermolecular force holding water molecules together in solid ice is hydrogen bonding.