Question

Arrange the following substances in increasing order of the intermolecular force of attraction: Water, gold, hydrogen.

Answer 1

• Solids: The particles in solids are more tightly packed than liquids and gases.
• The intermolecular forces between the particles are more in solids and hence the force of attraction between the particles is also high.
• Liquids: In the case of liquids, the intermolecular forces between the particles are less than those compared to solids.
• The force of attraction is comparatively less than in solids.
• Gases: The particles in gases are very loosely packed and are continually in random motion.
• The intermolecular forces are slightly less compared to liquids and very less than compared to solids.

Gold exists in the solid state, water exists in the liquid state, and hydrogen in the gaseous state.

Therefore, the increasing order of the intermolecular force of attraction between the given particles: water, gold, and hydrogen is hydrogen < water < gold.