Question

place the following compounds in order of decreasing strength of intermolecular forces, starting with the strongest forces. hf h₂ nbr₃ hf > h₂ > nbr₃ h₂ > hf > nbr₃ h₂ > nbr₃ > hf nbr₃ > h₂ > hf hf > nbr₃ > h₂

Explanation:

• HF has hydrogen bonding (strongest intermolecular force) because H is bonded to F (a highly electronegative atom).
• NBr₃ has dipole-dipole forces (polar molecule, weaker than H-bonding).
• H₂ has London dispersion forces (nonpolar, weakest intermolecular force).

Order of decreasing strength: HF > NBr₃ > H₂.

Answer:

HF > NBr₃ > H₂