Final answer:
The order of intermolecular forces from weakest to strongest is dispersion forces, dipole-dipole forces, and hydrogen bonding. Hence, the correct answer is C.) Dispersion, dipole-dipole, hydrogen bonding.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question is regarding the order of intermolecular forces in terms of increasing strength. Intermolecular forces are the attractions between molecules, which determine the physical properties of substances. There are three main types of intermolecular forces:
- London dispersion forces (also known as dispersion forces), the weakest of the van der Waals forces, are temporary attractive forces that result when the electrons in two adjacent atoms occupy positions that make the atoms form temporary dipoles. These forces are present in all molecules, whether they are polar or nonpolar.
- Dipole-dipole forces are intermolecular forces that occur between two polar molecules. They result from the electrostatic attraction between the positive end of one molecule and the negative end of another molecule.
- Hydrogen bonding, which is a special type of dipole-dipole interaction but is much stronger due to the presence of hydrogen attached to a highly electronegative atom such as oxygen, nitrogen, or fluorine.
Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is "C.) Dispersion, dipole-dipole, hydrogen bonding". This sequence represents the increasing order of strength of the intermolecular forces. Dispersion forces are present in all molecules and are generally the weakest. Dipole-dipole interactions are stronger and occur in polar molecules. Finally, hydrogen bonds are the strongest among the three and significantly influence the physical properties of compounds like water.