Question

Which of the following statements is true about the strength of the intermolecular forces in CH₄ and NH₃?

a. CH₄ ≥ NH₃ because CH₄ is tetrahedral but NH₃ is pyramidal.
b. CH₄ < NH₃ because δ− on C in the CH bond is greater than δ− on N in the NH bond.
c. CH₄ < NH₃ because the NH bond is more polar than the CH bond.
d. CH₄ ≥ NH₃ because CH₄ has H bonding but NH₃ has dispersion forces.

Answer 1

The strength of the intermolecular forces in NH₃ is greater than in CH₄ because the NH bond is more polar than the CH bond.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that is true about the strength of the intermolecular forces in CH₄ and NH₃ is c. CH₄ < NH₃ because the NH bond is more polar than the CH bond.

The strength of intermolecular forces depends on various factors, one of which is the polarity of the molecule. In NH₃, the nitrogen atom is more electronegative than the carbon atom in CH₄. This creates a greater polarity in the NH bond compared to the CH bond, resulting in stronger intermolecular forces in NH₃.