Which of the following is true of the intermolecular attractions in liquids?

• A. They are strong enough to keep particles close together but not in fixed positions.
• B. They are as strong as the forces holding atoms together in a solid crystal lattice.
• C. They are so weak that particles move completely independently of each other.
• D. They are absent, allowing particles to escape easily into the gas phase.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that intermolecular attractions refer to the forces between molecules, which influence the physical state of a substance (solid, liquid, or gas).
2. Recall that in solids, particles are held in fixed positions by very strong forces, often called ionic, covalent, or metallic bonds, which are intramolecular or strong intermolecular forces.
3. Recognize that in gases, intermolecular forces are very weak or negligible, allowing particles to move independently and spread apart.
4. Consider that liquids have intermolecular forces strong enough to keep particles close together, maintaining a definite volume, but not strong enough to hold them in fixed positions, allowing particles to flow and move past each other.
5. Conclude that the correct description of intermolecular attractions in liquids is that they are strong enough to keep particles close together but not in fixed positions.