Which types of particles can participate in dipole-dipole interactions?

• A. Nonpolar atoms and molecules
• B. Atoms with only London dispersion forces
• C. Ions in aqueous solution
• D. Molecules with permanent dipole moments

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that dipole-dipole interactions occur between molecules that have permanent dipole moments, meaning they have regions of partial positive and partial negative charge due to differences in electronegativity within the molecule.
2. Recognize that nonpolar atoms and molecules do not have permanent dipoles; their electrons are distributed symmetrically, so they cannot participate in dipole-dipole interactions but may exhibit London dispersion forces instead.
3. Note that atoms or molecules exhibiting only London dispersion forces lack permanent dipoles; these forces arise from temporary fluctuations in electron distribution, not permanent charge separation.
4. Consider that ions in aqueous solution interact primarily through ion-dipole interactions with water molecules, which is different from dipole-dipole interactions between neutral molecules with permanent dipoles.
5. Conclude that only molecules with permanent dipole moments can engage in dipole-dipole interactions because these interactions depend on the attraction between the positive end of one dipole and the negative end of another.