Which type of intermolecular force is present between all molecules, regardless of their composition?

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

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that intermolecular forces are forces of attraction or repulsion between neighboring molecules, different from intramolecular forces like ionic or covalent bonds within molecules.
2. Recognize that ionic bonding is not an intermolecular force but a type of strong intramolecular bond between ions in ionic compounds.
3. Recall that dipole-dipole interactions occur only between polar molecules, where there is a permanent dipole moment.
4. Know that hydrogen bonding is a special, stronger type of dipole-dipole interaction that occurs only when hydrogen is bonded to highly electronegative atoms like N, O, or F.
5. Identify that London dispersion forces (also called induced dipole-induced dipole forces) arise from temporary fluctuations in electron distribution and are present in all molecules, whether polar or nonpolar.