Which of the following is the strongest type of intermolecular force?

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

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that intermolecular forces are the forces of attraction between molecules, and their strength varies depending on the type of interaction.
2. Recognize that London dispersion forces are the weakest intermolecular forces, caused by temporary fluctuations in electron distribution in molecules.
3. Know that dipole-dipole interactions occur between polar molecules where positive and negative ends attract each other, making them stronger than London dispersion forces.
4. Identify hydrogen bonding as a special, stronger type of dipole-dipole interaction that occurs when hydrogen is bonded to highly electronegative atoms like nitrogen, oxygen, or fluorine.
5. Note that ion-dipole interactions are generally the strongest among these because they involve attraction between an ion and a polar molecule, which is stronger than hydrogen bonding.