Which intermolecular force is primarily responsible for the high boiling point of water (H_2O)?

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

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the types of intermolecular forces present in water (H\_2O). Water molecules are polar and can form hydrogen bonds due to the presence of highly electronegative oxygen atoms bonded to hydrogen.
2. Recall that London dispersion forces are weak forces present in all molecules but are especially significant in nonpolar molecules; they are not the main contributor to water's high boiling point.
3. Understand that dipole-dipole interactions occur between polar molecules but are generally weaker than hydrogen bonds when hydrogen is bonded to N, O, or F.
4. Recognize that ion-dipole interactions involve ions and polar molecules, which is not applicable here since water is a neutral molecule.
5. Conclude that hydrogen bonding, a strong type of dipole-dipole interaction involving hydrogen atoms bonded to oxygen, is primarily responsible for the unusually high boiling point of water.