Textbook Question
Determine the kinds of intermolecular forces that are present in each element or compound. a. N2 b. NH3 c. CO d. CCl4
Ch.11 - Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces
Chapter 11, Problem 36c
Determine the kinds of intermolecular forces that are present in each element or compound. c. SiH4
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Identify the molecular structure of SiH_4. Silicon (Si) is the central atom bonded to four hydrogen (H) atoms, forming a tetrahedral shape.
Determine the polarity of the Si-H bonds. Silicon and hydrogen have different electronegativities, but the difference is not large enough to make the bonds significantly polar.
Assess the overall polarity of the SiH_4 molecule. Due to its symmetrical tetrahedral shape, any dipole moments in the Si-H bonds cancel out, making SiH_4 a nonpolar molecule.
Identify the types of intermolecular forces present in nonpolar molecules. Nonpolar molecules like SiH_4 primarily exhibit London dispersion forces (also known as van der Waals forces).
Conclude that the only intermolecular forces present in SiH_4 are London dispersion forces, which are the weakest type of intermolecular force.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Intermolecular Forces
Intermolecular forces are the attractive forces between molecules that influence physical properties such as boiling and melting points. These forces include hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole interactions, and London dispersion forces. Understanding these forces is crucial for predicting the behavior of substances in different states of matter.
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Molecular Polarity
Molecular polarity refers to the distribution of electrical charge across a molecule, which determines whether it has a positive or negative end. Polar molecules have a significant difference in electronegativity between atoms, leading to dipole moments, while nonpolar molecules have an even distribution of charge. The polarity of a molecule affects the type of intermolecular forces it can exhibit.
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Silane (SiH4) Structure
Silane (SiH4) is a molecular compound consisting of silicon and hydrogen. It has a tetrahedral geometry, with silicon at the center and four hydrogen atoms at the corners. Due to its symmetrical structure and nonpolar Si-H bonds, SiH4 is a nonpolar molecule, primarily exhibiting London dispersion forces as its intermolecular force.
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