Textbook Question
Determine the kinds of intermolecular forces that are present in each element or compound. a. HCl b. H2O c. Br2
13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces
Intermolecular Forces
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What intermolecular force is responsible for the attraction between N2 molecules in liquid nitrogen?
A
Ion-dipole forces
B
Dispersion forces
C
Dipole-dipole forces
D
Hydrogen bonding
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the type of molecules involved: N2 is a nonpolar molecule because it consists of two identical nitrogen atoms sharing electrons equally.
Understand the types of intermolecular forces: Ion-dipole forces occur between ions and polar molecules, dipole-dipole forces occur between polar molecules, and hydrogen bonding occurs between molecules with hydrogen attached to highly electronegative atoms like N, O, or F.
Recognize that N2 does not have a permanent dipole moment because it is nonpolar, ruling out dipole-dipole forces and hydrogen bonding.
Consider the nature of dispersion forces: These are weak forces that arise due to temporary fluctuations in electron density, creating temporary dipoles even in nonpolar molecules.
Conclude that dispersion forces, also known as London dispersion forces, are responsible for the attraction between N2 molecules in liquid nitrogen, as they are the only forces present in nonpolar molecules like N2.
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