Final answer:
The question asks to categorize molecules based on the dominant intermolecular forces present, which include London dispersion forces, dipole-dipole interactions, hydrogen bonding, and ionic bonding. The strongest to weakest order of these forces is hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole interactions, and London dispersion forces, with ionic bonding being an intramolecular force.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student is asked to determine which intermolecular forces are the dominant for various molecules. There are three main types of intermolecular forces: London dispersion forces, dipole-dipole interactions, and hydrogen bonding. Additionally, ionic bonding can be considered when dealing with ionic compounds. London dispersion forces are the weakest and are present in all molecules, dipole-dipole interactions occur between polar molecules, and hydrogen bonding is a particularly strong type of dipole-dipole interaction that occurs when hydrogen is bonded to a highly electronegative atom like nitrogen, oxygen, or fluorine. Ionic bonding is not an intermolecular force but an intramolecular force that occurs in ionic compounds and is much stronger than other intermolecular forces.
Thus, compounds need to be assigned to the appropriate category based on the type of intermolecular forces or bonding present. This assignment is based on the molecular structure and the presence of particular elements or bonds within the molecule. For example, a molecule with H bonded to N, O, or F would likely exhibit hydrogen bonding as the dominant force. A polar molecule without these characteristics typically has dipole-dipole interactions, while nonpolar molecules exhibit London dispersion forces. Ionic compounds, composed of cations and anions, would be categorized by ionic bonding.
To list the intermolecular interactions from weakest to strongest: London dispersion forces are the weakest, followed by dipole-dipole interactions, and then hydrogen bonding. Network covalent bonding is not typically categorized with these intermolecular forces as it is a strong intramolecular force.