Question
Which of these is the most significant force that attracts polar molecules to each other? A. Covalent bond formations B. Ion-ion attractions C. Van der Waals interactions D. Dipole-dipole attractions
Answer
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Constance
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Answer
D. Dipole-dipole attractions
Explanation
In polar molecules, the most significant force of attraction is usually due to dipole-dipole interactions. These occur because polar molecules have positive and negative ends (dipoles), which attract each other. Covalent bond formations and ion-ion attractions are not typical forces between molecules but rather within compounds or ionic substances, respectively. Van der Waals interactions are generally weaker forces compared to dipole-dipole interactions and are more significant in nonpolar molecules.