Which of the following best describes polar attractions in the context of intermolecular forces?

• A. The attraction between nonpolar molecules due to temporary dipoles.
• B. The electrostatic attraction between the positive end of one polar molecule and the negative end of another polar molecule.
• C. The interaction between ions and water molecules in solution.
• D. The force holding atoms together within a molecule.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that polar attractions refer to intermolecular forces occurring between polar molecules, which have permanent dipoles due to differences in electronegativity between atoms.
2. Recall that polar molecules have regions of partial positive charge and partial negative charge, creating a dipole moment.
3. Recognize that polar attractions arise from the electrostatic forces between the positive end of one polar molecule and the negative end of another polar molecule.
4. Differentiate polar attractions from other types of intermolecular forces, such as London dispersion forces (temporary dipoles in nonpolar molecules), ion-dipole interactions (between ions and polar molecules like water), and intramolecular forces (forces holding atoms together within a molecule).
5. Conclude that the best description of polar attractions is the electrostatic attraction between the positive end of one polar molecule and the negative end of another polar molecule.