Which of the following states of matter typically exhibits the strongest intermolecular forces?

• A. Liquid
• B. Gas
• C. Plasma
• D. Solid

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that intermolecular forces are the forces of attraction or repulsion between neighboring molecules, which influence the physical properties of matter such as boiling point, melting point, and viscosity.
2. Recall the general characteristics of the three common states of matter: gases have particles far apart with weak intermolecular forces, liquids have particles closer with moderate intermolecular forces, and solids have particles tightly packed with strong intermolecular forces.
3. Recognize that plasma is an ionized gas with free electrons and ions, and its behavior is dominated by electromagnetic forces rather than typical intermolecular forces.
4. Compare the strength of intermolecular forces in solids, liquids, and gases: solids have the strongest because their particles are fixed in place and held tightly together, liquids have intermediate strength, and gases have the weakest due to large particle separation.
5. Conclude that solids typically exhibit the strongest intermolecular forces among the states of matter listed, which explains why they maintain a fixed shape and volume.