Which types of attractive forces can exist between particles in molecular crystals?

• A. Covalent bonds only
• B. London dispersion forces, dipole-dipole interactions, and hydrogen bonding
• C. Ionic bonds and metallic bonds
• D. Only London dispersion forces

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that molecular crystals are composed of molecules held together by intermolecular forces rather than strong covalent, ionic, or metallic bonds.
2. Identify the types of intermolecular forces that can exist between molecules: London dispersion forces (present in all molecules), dipole-dipole interactions (present in polar molecules), and hydrogen bonding (a special, stronger type of dipole-dipole interaction involving H bonded to N, O, or F).
3. Recognize that covalent bonds hold atoms together within a molecule, but the forces between molecules in molecular crystals are weaker intermolecular forces, not covalent bonds themselves.
4. Eliminate options involving ionic bonds and metallic bonds, as these are characteristic of ionic and metallic crystals, not molecular crystals.
5. Conclude that the attractive forces in molecular crystals include London dispersion forces, dipole-dipole interactions, and hydrogen bonding, depending on the nature of the molecules involved.