Which of the following intermolecular forces can be best explained by temporary dipole moments?

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

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that intermolecular forces arise from interactions between molecules or atoms, and different types of forces depend on the nature of these interactions.
2. Recognize that temporary dipole moments occur when electrons in an atom or molecule are distributed asymmetrically at a given instant, creating a fleeting dipole.
3. Identify that London dispersion forces (also called induced dipole-induced dipole forces) are caused by these temporary dipoles, which induce dipoles in neighboring molecules, leading to attraction.
4. Contrast this with other forces: hydrogen bonding involves permanent dipoles and specific atoms (H bonded to N, O, or F), ion-dipole forces involve ions interacting with permanent dipoles, and dipole-dipole interactions involve attractions between permanent dipoles.
5. Conclude that among the options, London dispersion forces are best explained by temporary dipole moments because they arise solely from instantaneous fluctuations in electron distribution.