Question

why are van der waals forces important?
a. they determine how strong dipole moments will be in polar covalent molecules.
b. they are the strongest type of intramolecular force that can act between atoms.
c. they are the strongest type of intermolecular force that can act on polar and nonpolar molecules.
d. they are the primary intermolecular attractive forces that act between nonpolar molecules.

Explanation:

Van der Waals forces are intermolecular forces. They are the main attractive forces between non - polar molecules. Dipole moments are determined by the electronegativity difference in polar covalent molecules, not by Van der Waals forces. Intramolecular forces are stronger than Van der Waals forces, and Van der Waals forces are weaker than hydrogen bonds (a stronger type of intermolecular force in some cases).

Answer:

D. They are the primary intermolecular attractive forces that act between nonpolar molecules.