Final answer:
Copper has the strongest forces between its atoms, as it forms strong metallic bonds. Helium has the weakest forces between its atoms, as it exists as individual atoms and has weak intermolecular forces.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the strongest and weakest forces between atoms, we need to understand the state of matter at room temperature for each element. Copper, carbon, and magnesium are solid at room temperature. Oxygen and sulfur are gases at room temperature, while helium is a gas at all temperatures.
The element with the strongest forces between its atoms is copper. This is because copper is a metal, and metals have strong metallic bonds, which involve the sharing of electrons among a sea of delocalized electrons.
The element with the weakest forces between its atoms is helium. This is because helium is a noble gas and exists as individual atoms rather than forming molecules. Noble gases have weak intermolecular forces due to their stable electron configuration.