Which statement best explains why water and oil have different properties?

• A. Both water and oil molecules form strong ionic bonds with each other.
• B. Water and oil have identical intermolecular forces, but different atomic masses.
• C. Oil molecules form hydrogen bonds, while water molecules interact mainly through dipole-dipole forces.
• D. Water molecules form hydrogen bonds, while oil molecules interact mainly through London dispersion forces.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the types of intermolecular forces present in water and oil. Water molecules are polar and can form hydrogen bonds, which are strong dipole-dipole interactions involving hydrogen atoms bonded to highly electronegative atoms like oxygen.
2. Recognize that oil molecules are generally nonpolar and do not have hydrogen bonding. Instead, they interact mainly through London dispersion forces, which are weaker intermolecular forces caused by temporary dipoles in molecules.
3. Understand that the difference in intermolecular forces leads to different physical properties such as boiling point, solubility, and miscibility. Water's hydrogen bonding results in higher boiling points and solubility in polar substances, while oil's London dispersion forces lead to lower boiling points and immiscibility with water.
4. Evaluate the incorrect options: ionic bonds are not formed between water and oil molecules; water and oil do not have identical intermolecular forces; oil molecules do not form hydrogen bonds.
5. Conclude that the best explanation for the different properties of water and oil is that water molecules form hydrogen bonds, while oil molecules interact mainly through London dispersion forces.