Which type of force is primarily responsible for holding molecules together in a liquid (fluid) state?

• A. Gravitational force
• B. Electromagnetic forces between atomic nuclei
• C. Intermolecular forces (such as hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole, and London dispersion)
• D. Strong nuclear force

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that molecules in a liquid state are held together by forces that act between the molecules themselves, not forces within the atoms or nuclei.
2. Recognize that gravitational forces are generally too weak at the molecular scale to hold molecules together in liquids.
3. Recall that electromagnetic forces between atomic nuclei are internal forces that hold the nucleus together, not forces between separate molecules.
4. Identify that the strong nuclear force acts only within the atomic nucleus and does not influence interactions between molecules.
5. Conclude that the primary forces responsible for holding molecules together in a liquid are intermolecular forces, which include hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole interactions, and London dispersion forces.