Final answer:
The correct order of intermolecular forces from strongest to weakest is Hydrogen, Dispersion, Dipole, Covalent.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer is B) Hydrogen, Dispersion, Dipole, Covalent.
Intermolecular forces are the attractive forces that exist between molecules. They determine the physical properties of substances, such as boiling and melting points.
- Hydrogen bonding - This is the strongest intermolecular force and occurs when a hydrogen atom is bonded to a highly electronegative atom (such as nitrogen, oxygen, or fluorine). It results in a strong dipole-dipole attraction.
- Dispersion forces - These forces are the weakest intermolecular forces and occur in all molecules, regardless of whether they are polar or nonpolar. Dispersion forces result from temporary fluctuations in electron distribution, leading to a momentary dipole. They increase with the size of the molecule.
- Dipole-dipole interactions - These forces occur between polar molecules and involve the attraction between the positive end of one molecule and the negative end of another.
- Covalent - This refers to the type of bonding within molecules, where atoms share electrons to form covalent bonds.