Question

Arrange the following in the order of their intermolecular forces of attraction.

• A. Solid metal ball
• B. Molten metal
• C. Water
• D. Oxygen gas

Answer 1

Consider the states of all the four things.
Metallic solid ball $\to$ solid
Water $\to$ Liquid
Oxygen gas $\to$ Gas
While molten metal is in a state between solid and liquid (semi solid).

In solids, the intermolecular forces of attraction are very strong.
While in gases, the intermolecular forces of attraction are very weak.
Now, liquid state is the intermediate state between gaseous state and solid state. The intermolecular forces of attraction are stronger in liquid state than in gaseous state. The molecules of liquids are held together by attractive intermolecular forces.
Similarly, the intermolecular forces of attraction in the semi solid state are stronger than in the liquid state and weaker than in the solid state.
Therefore, following is the correct order for intermolecular forces.
Oxygen gas< water<molten metal<solid metal ball.