Question

Which of the following substance has the weakest interparticle forces?

• A. Water
• B. Steam
• C. Mercury
• D. Iron

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Steam

Correct option(b) Steam(H₂O) exists in a gaseous state.

• The intermolecular forces of attraction between gaseous states substances are weakest.
• Steam exists in a gaseous state therefore the intermolecular forces of attraction are weakest.

Incorrect options:

Option(a) Water(H₂O)

• Water exists in liquid form.
• The intermolecular force of attraction of liquid is between solid and gaseous.
• Therefore, the force of attraction is not the weakest in this.

Option(c) Mercury(Hg)

• Mercury exists in liquid form.
• The intermolecular force of attraction of liquid is between solid and gaseous.
• Therefore, the force of attraction is not the weakest in this.

Option(d) Iron(Fe)

• Iron exists in solid form.
• The intermolecular force of attraction of a solid is the strongest.
• Therefore, the force of attraction is not the weakest in this.

Concluding statement: Option(B) is correct.