Final answer:
MgO has much stronger intermolecular forces due to its ionic bonds, which are significantly stronger than the hydrogen bonding in ethanol.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student has asked which substance, MgO (Magnesium Oxide) or CH₃CH₂OH (Ethanol), has higher intermolecular forces. MgO features ionic bonds between its magnesium and oxygen atoms, which are generally much stronger than any intermolecular forces present in molecular compounds. Ethanol, on the other hand, has hydrogen bonds due to its hydroxyl (-OH) groups which are the strongest type of intermolecular forces in covalently bonded molecules, but still weaker than ionic bonds.
Consequently, MgO has significantly stronger intermolecular forces compared to ethanol, not merely in terms of intermolecular forces, but due to the intrinsic strength of its ionic bonds. To put it in perspective, MgO has a high melting point which is indicative of its strong ionic bonds, while ethanol's lower boiling point reflects the relatively weaker hydrogen bonding. Thus, the substance with the higher intermolecular forces is MgO.