Question

Define intermolecular force of attraction.
A. The force of attraction between the electrons and protons of an atom is called the intermolecular force of attraction.
B. The force of attraction between the molecules of matter is called the intermolecular force of attraction.
C. The force of attraction between the elements in a molecule is called the intermolecular force of attraction.
D. None of the above.

Answer 1

Hint: Matter in the surroundings is made from the combination of multiple molecules of same kind or different. We say that the molecules combine due to strong forces of attraction between them.

Complete answer:
When some number of electrons, protons and neutrons combine, they together form an atom. Like atoms of hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, sodium etc.

When multiple atoms combine, they together form a molecule. For example, when two atoms of hydrogen and one atom oxygen combine they form a molecule of water.

When multiple molecules combine, they form a compound. For example, when many molecules combine, we get the liquid water.

Therefore, the matter in our surroundings is made up of many molecules packed together.
We say that the molecules stay together inside a matter because the molecules have strong bonds between them. The strong bond is due to strong forces of attraction. These forces of attraction are called intermolecular forces of attraction.

Therefore, the intermolecular forces of attraction are the forces of attraction between the molecules of matter.
Hence, the correct option is B.

So, the correct answer is “Option B”.

Note:
The electrons and protons in an atom is due to the electromagnetic forces of attraction between the charges.

Students may get confused between intermolecular and intramolecular forces of attraction. As we know intermolecular forces of attraction are forces of attraction between the molecules of a matter. Whereas, intramolecular forces of attraction are forces of attraction within a single molecule.