The forces of attraction between molecules is greatest in the _______ ...
The forces of attraction between molecules is greatest in the solid state.
Explanation:
In the solid state, molecules are closely packed together and have strong intermolecular forces of attraction. These forces include:
1. Van der Waals forces: These forces arise from temporary shifts in electron density within molecules, creating temporary dipoles. These temporary dipoles induce dipoles in neighboring molecules, leading to attractive forces.
2. Hydrogen bonding: This type of intermolecular force occurs when a hydrogen atom is bonded to a highly electronegative atom (like oxygen, nitrogen, or fluorine) and is attracted to another electronegative atom in a neighboring molecule. Hydrogen bonding is stronger than Van der Waals forces.
3. Dipole-dipole interactions: These forces occur between polar molecules. The positive end of one molecule is attracted to the negative end of another molecule, resulting in attractive forces.
In contrast, the intermolecular forces in the liquid and gaseous states are weaker because the molecules are further apart and have more freedom of movement. While these states also exhibit Van der Waals forces, hydrogen bonding, and dipole-dipole interactions, the forces are not as strong as in the solid state.
Therefore, the forces of attraction between molecules are greatest in the solid state.
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