Question

Arrange the following substances in the increasing order of intermolecular forces of attraction:
(a) Salt
(b) Water
(c) Carbon dioxide

Answer 1

Intermolecular force of attraction:

1. The intermolecular force can be defined as the force of attraction between the molecules of a substance.
2. Molecules in the solids are closely packed as compared to liquids and gases, thus they have the maximum intermolecular force of attraction.
3. In liquids, the molecules are comparatively loosely packed than in the case of solids thus the intermolecular force of attraction is less than in solids but more than in gases.
4. In gases, the molecules are loosely packed and the intermolecular force of attraction is negligible.
5. Intermolecular forces of attraction are maximum in solids, intermediate in liquids, and minimum in gases.
6. Salt is solid and solid has the strongest intermolecular forces of attraction as compared to liquid and gas.
7. Carbon dioxide is gas and gas has the weakest intermolecular forces of attraction as compared to liquid and solid.
8. Water is liquid and liquid has intermolecular forces of attraction greater than gas but less than solid.
9. Thus, the increasing order of force of attraction is Carbon dioxide < water < salt.

Hence, substances can be arranged in the increasing order of intermolecular forces of attraction as (c) Carbon dioxide, (b) Water, and (a) Salt.