Investigation of Intermolecular Forces
Julia and Phillip have three liquids: rubbing alcohol, water, and corn oil. They plan an investigation to compare the forces of attraction between the molecules in each liquid. During the investigation, they determine how many drops of each liquid can be placed on the surface of a penny, as shown, before the liquid spills over the edge of the penny.

A dropper drops liquid onto the penny.

They test each liquid and record their observations in the table shown.

The table titled 'Liquid Investigation Results' has two columns. The first column shows Liquid and the second column shows Number of Drops. The second column is further divided into 4 columns, showing Trial 1, Trial 2, Trial 3 and Average. Rubbing alcohol shows 6 drops in Trial 1, 7 drops in Trial 2, 5 drops in Trial 3, and 6 drops is the average. Water shows 8 drops in Trial 1, 7 drops in Trial 2, 9 drops in Trial 3 and 8 drops is the average. Corn Oil shows 3 drops in Trail 1, 2 drops in Trial 2, 4 drops in Trial 3 and 3 drops is the average.

Multiple Choice Question
Which orders the liquids by increasing strength of the intermolecular forces between its molecules?

A.
water < rubbing alcohol < corn oil

B.
corn oil < rubbing alcohol < water

C.
rubbing alcohol < water < corn oil

D.
corn oil < water < rubbing alcohol