Question

which particle - diagram shown above best represents the strongest intermolecular force between two ethanol, c₂h₆o, molecules? diagram 1 diagram 2 a diagram 1, because it shows hydrogen bonds forming between hydrogen atoms from different ethanol molecules. b diagram 1, because it shows strong, directional dipole - dipole forces between two polar ethanol molecules. c diagram 2, because it shows the formation of a hydrogen bond between an o atom bonded to an h atom with an o atom from another molecule. d diagram 2, because it shows the dipole from an ethanol molecule inducing a dipole in another ethanol molecule.

Explanation:

Hydrogen - bonding is the strongest intermolecular force in ethanol ($C_2H_6O$). It occurs when a hydrogen atom bonded to a highly electronegative atom (such as oxygen) in one molecule is attracted to an electronegative atom in another molecule. Diagram 1 shows hydrogen - bonds forming between different ethanol molecules as the hydrogen atom bonded to oxygen in one ethanol molecule is attracted to the oxygen atom in another ethanol molecule.

Answer:

C. Because it shows the formation of a hydrogen bond between an O atom bonded to an H atom in one ethanol molecule and an O atom from another molecule.