Chapter 14, Problem 11STP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:The strongest intermolecular force present in potassium oxide has to be given.

Intermolecular forces: Intermolecular force is electrostatic in nature and includesVan der Waals forces and hydrogen bonds. Molecules in liquids are held to other molecules by intermolecular interactions, which are weaker than the intramolecular interactions that hold the atoms together within molecules and polyatomic ions. The three main types of intermolecular interactions are:

• Dipole-dipole interactions
• London dispersion forces
• Hydrogen bonds

Solids can be classified into four types, namely:

1. Molecular solids: In molecular solids, Van der Waals forces, hydrogen bonds or both hold most of the atoms or small molecules.
2. Covalent network solids: In a covalent network solid, all the atoms are held in place by covalent bonds.
3. Ionic solids: In ionic solids, oppositely charged ions are held together by electrostatic attractions that are very strong, comparable in strength to covalent bonds.
4. Metallic solids: Metallic solids are formed by metal atoms and they have metallic bonding present in them.

Answer to Problem 11STP

The strongest intermolecular force present in potassium oxide is ionic bonding.

Explanation of Solution

Potassium oxide $\left({\text{K}}_{\text{2}}\text{O}\right)$ is an ionic solid.

In ionic solids, oppositely charged ions are held together by electrostatic attractions that are very strong, comparable in strength to covalent bonds.

Potassium oxide exists as ions $\left({\text{K}}^{+}\text{and}{\text{O}}^{2-}\right)$ and there will be an electrostatic attraction present between the two potassium ions and one oxide ion. The intermolecular force present in potassium oxide is ionic bonding.

Conclusion

Potassium oxide is an ionic solid and the strongest intermolecular force present in potassium oxide is ionic bonding.