Question

Arrange the following substances in increasing order of forces of attraction between the particles— water, sugar, oxygen.

Answer 1

The forces of attraction between particles depend on the state of matter (solid, liquid, or gas) and the type of bonding present in the substance. Let’s analyze each substance:

• Oxygen: Oxygen is a gas at room temperature. In gases, the forces of attraction between particles are the weakest because the particles are far apart and move freely. Therefore, oxygen has the weakest forces of attraction.
• Water: Water is a liquid at room temperature. The forces of attraction between water molecules are stronger than those in a gas but weaker than those in a solid. Water molecules are held together by hydrogen bonds, which are strong compared to the forces in gases.
• Sugar: Sugar (such as sucrose) is a solid at room temperature. In solids, the particles are tightly packed, and the forces of attraction between them are the strongest. The forces between sugar molecules are due to covalent bonding and intermolecular forces, which are strong.

Increasing Order of Forces of Attraction:

The substances in increasing order of forces of attraction between their particles are:

Oxygen < Water < Sugar

Conclusion:

• The forces of attraction between the particles of oxygen are the weakest.
• The forces of attraction between the particles of water are stronger than those in oxygen.
• The forces of attraction between the particles of sugar are the strongest.