Final answer:
The attractive forces that come into play as atoms or molecules move closer together are called intermolecular (Option A) forces, which are vital for determining a substance's physical properties.
Step-by-step explanation:
The attractive forces between atoms or molecules as they move closer together are called intermolecular forces. These forces are electrostatic in nature, which means they arise from the interactions between positively and negatively charged species. Intermolecular forces are much weaker than the bonds within molecules (intramolecular forces), but they are essential in determining physical properties such as the state of matter.
Intermolecular forces are especially significant in solids and liquids, where the proximity of the molecules leads to a cumulative effect, making these forces quite substantial. In gases, these interactions become noteworthy only at very high pressures, where they cause deviations from the ideal gas law as real gases exhibit behavior that differs from the theoretical ideal.