Which of the following is the strongest type of intermolecular force that can exist between two molecules of water (H_2O)?

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

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the types of intermolecular forces listed: London dispersion forces, dipole-dipole interactions, hydrogen bonding, and ion-dipole interactions.
2. Recall that water (H\_2O) is a polar molecule with a bent shape, which means it has a permanent dipole moment.
3. Understand that London dispersion forces are weak forces present in all molecules but are the weakest among the options.
4. Recognize that dipole-dipole interactions occur between polar molecules, which water has, but these are generally weaker than hydrogen bonds.
5. Know that hydrogen bonding is a special, stronger type of dipole-dipole interaction that occurs when hydrogen is bonded to highly electronegative atoms like oxygen, nitrogen, or fluorine, which applies to water molecules.