Question

Among cellulose, PVC, nylon and natural rubber, the polymer in which intermolecular force of attraction is weakest is:
A.nylon
B.PVC
C.Cellulose
D.Natural rubber

Answer 1

Intermolecular Forces:
Intermolecular forces are the forces which are attractive as well as repulsive in nature. These forces act between nearest particles (which include atoms, molecules, or ions). These forces are weak when compared to intramolecular forces, like we have the covalent or ionic bonds between atoms in a molecule.

Complete step by step answer:
Types of intermolecular forces:
-Dipole–Dipole interactions.
-London dispersion force (Also known as van der Waals forces)
-Hydrogen bonds.
Natural Rubber has the Weak intermolecular force of attraction:
Natural rubber is an elastomer. The values of elasticity and tensile strength in Natural Rubber are very low. Also the intermolecular forces of attraction between the polymer chains are only weak van der Waals forces.
Thus the correct option is D.

Additional information: Reason behind the fact that Cellulose and Nylon has intermolecular force of attraction:
Cellulose and Nylons have H-bonding type of intermolecular attraction. The hydrogen bonds enable the dispersion of these in water in small quantities. Also these chains are interconnected by OH–O type hydrogen bonds which form Sheets of flat chains with weak CH–O hydrogen bonds acting between them.
PVC: Talking about PVC, It consists of polar molecules which have dipole-dipole interactions and are attracted to each other. Also due to electrostatic attractions between chlorine atom and hydrogen atom, these intermolecular attractions have polymer chains between them which makes the PVC a strong material and is Polar in Nature.

Note:
The factors on which the intermolecular forces depend:
-High Boiling Point – Molecules with high boiling points usually have the high intermolecular forces of attraction.
-Polarity – The polarity also affects these. The more is the polarity, the higher is the intermolecular forces of attraction.