Which is the strongest type of van der Waals force present between molecules of water (H_2O)?

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

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the types of van der Waals forces: London dispersion forces, dipole-dipole interactions, ion-dipole interactions, and hydrogen bonding (a special type of dipole-dipole interaction).
2. Recognize that water (H\_2O) is a polar molecule with a bent shape, leading to a permanent dipole moment.
3. Understand that hydrogen bonding occurs when hydrogen is covalently bonded to highly electronegative atoms like oxygen, nitrogen, or fluorine, creating a strong dipole-dipole attraction.
4. Compare the strengths: London dispersion forces are the weakest, dipole-dipole interactions are stronger, ion-dipole interactions involve ions (not present here), and hydrogen bonding is stronger than regular dipole-dipole forces.
5. Conclude that the strongest van der Waals force in water molecules is hydrogen bonding due to the presence of O-H bonds and the molecule's polarity.