What is the order of intermolecular forces from strongest to weakest?

Study for the ALEKS Placement Chemistry Exam. Review flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your chemistry exam!

The correct order of intermolecular forces from strongest to weakest is hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole interactions, and then dispersion forces.

Hydrogen bonding is the strongest among these interactions because it occurs when hydrogen is covalently bonded to electronegative atoms such as nitrogen, oxygen, or fluorine. This bond creates a significant dipole due to the high electronegativity of these atoms, leading to strong attractions between the positive hydrogen end of one molecule and the negative end of another.

Dipole-dipole interactions are the next strongest type of intermolecular force. They occur between polar molecules that have permanent dipoles. The positive end of one polar molecule attracts the negative end of another, but the strength of these interactions is generally less than that of hydrogen bonds because they involve less electronegative atoms and therefore weaker attractions.

Dispersion forces, also known as London dispersion forces, are the weakest of the three. These forces arise from temporary fluctuations in electron distribution within all atoms and molecules, leading to temporary dipoles. While they can be significant in larger molecules, they are usually overshadowed by the stronger hydrogen bonds and dipole-dipole interactions.

Thus, the established hierarchy of these intermolecular forces accurately reflects their relative strengths,

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