The dominant forces between molecules (intermolecular forces) are ____ in origin.

• A. electrostatic
• B. electrodynamic
• C. electromagnetic
• D. gravitational
• E. magnetic

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that intermolecular forces are the forces of attraction or repulsion which act between neighboring particles (atoms, molecules, or ions).
2. Recognize that these forces are primarily due to the interactions between charged particles or dipoles, which are inherently electrostatic in nature.
3. Recall that electrostatic forces arise from the attraction between positive and negative charges, such as the attraction between the positive end of one polar molecule and the negative end of another.
4. Consider the types of intermolecular forces: dipole-dipole interactions, hydrogen bonding, and London dispersion forces, all of which have an electrostatic component.
5. Conclude that the dominant forces between molecules, known as intermolecular forces, are electrostatic in origin, as they involve the attraction and repulsion of charged entities.