Correct order of intermolecular forces of attraction in the following solids is:

A. \(NaCl\)

B. \(I_2\)

C. \(Ice\)

D. \(Iron\)

E. \(Rubber\)

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

E, B, C, D, A

The correct answer is option 3. E, B, C, D, A.

Let us go through the different solids and their intermolecular forces in detail:

A. NaCl (Sodium Chloride):

Type of Bonding: Ionic

Intermolecular Forces: Ionic bonds are formed between positively charged sodium ions \((Na^+)\) and negatively charged chloride ions \((Cl^-)\). These are among the strongest types of intermolecular forces because they involve the attraction between full charges.

Strength: Strongest in this list due to the high energy required to overcome the electrostatic attraction between the ions.

B. \(I_2\) (Iodine):

Type of Bonding: Van der Waals (London dispersion forces)

Intermolecular Forces: Iodine molecules are non-polar, so they interact primarily through London dispersion forces, which are relatively weak.

Strength: Weaker than ionic and hydrogen bonds, but stronger than the forces in rubber due to the larger size and more polarizable electron cloud of \(I_2\).

C. Ice:

Type of Bonding: Hydrogen bonding

Intermolecular Forces: Water molecules in ice are held together by hydrogen bonds, which occur between the hydrogen atom of one water molecule and the oxygen atom of another. Hydrogen bonds are stronger than van der Waals forces but weaker than ionic or metallic bonds.

Strength: Stronger than the forces in \(I_2\) and rubber, but weaker than metallic and ionic bonds.

D. Iron:

Type of Bonding: Metallic bonding

Intermolecular Forces: Iron atoms are held together by metallic bonds, which involve the sharing of free electrons (also known as an "electron sea") among a lattice of metal cations. This creates a strong bond.

Strength: Very strong, but typically not as strong as ionic bonds. However, in comparison with hydrogen bonds, metallic bonds are stronger.

E. Rubber:

Type of Bonding: Van der Waals forces (primarily dispersion forces)

Intermolecular Forces: Rubber is composed of long-chain polymers, and the molecules are held together by weak van der Waals forces, similar to those in iodine but generally weaker due to the lower polarizability.

Strength: Weakest among the listed substances.

Conclusion:  The correct order of intermolecular forces of attraction in these solids from weakest to strongest is:

Rubber (E) < Iodine (B) < Ice (C) < Iron (D) < Sodium Chloride (A)

This order is based on the type and strength of the bonding interactions present in each solid, with van der Waals forces being the weakest and ionic bonds being the strongest.