Question

The table shows the average distance between the molecules of a substance in the solid, liquid, and gaseous states.

Distance Between Molecules
State Distance
X 10−9 cm
Y 10−11 cm
Z 10−7 cm

Which of the following is the correct order of the relative strengths of the intermolecular forces in the three states?
Y > Z > X
Z > X > Y
X > Z > Y
Y > X > Z

Answer 1

Y > X > Z

Step-by-step explanation:

The intermoecular forces refer to forces that exist between molecules of a substance. They are the secondary bond forces that hold particles of a substance together in a particular state of matter.

The shorter the distance between molecules, the greater the magnitude of intermolecular force between the molecules.

The molecules of Y are at the shortest distance from each other hence they have the highest magnitude of intermolecular forces. Followed by X and lastly Z with the greatest distance between the largest intermolecular distance.