Question

How do electrically neutral, non-polar molecules develop transient regions of weak + or - charges, leading to Van der Waals interactions?

A) Through the transfer of electrons between molecules.

B) Due to the unequal sharing of electrons within the molecules.

C) As a result of temporary fluctuations in electron distribution creating instantaneous dipoles.

D) Because of the permanent dipole moments in the molecules.

Answer 1

Non-polar molecules develop transient regions of weak charges through temporary fluctuations in electron distribution that cause instantaneous dipoles, leading to van der Waals interactions specifically called London dispersion forces.

Step-by-step explanation:

Electrically neutral, non-polar molecules can develop transient regions of weak positive or negative charges, leading to van der Waals interactions. This phenomenon is a result of temporary fluctuations in electron distribution within a molecule, which create instantaneous dipoles. As explained in option C, these transient dipoles can then induce dipoles in neighboring molecules, resulting in a London dispersion force, also known as the Van der Waals force. This effect is significant because it illustrates how even nonpolar molecules can exhibit intermolecular attractions through temporary, fleeting shifts in electron density. The correct answer to how electrically neutral, non-polar molecules develop regions of weak charges, leading to van der Waals interactions, is:

C) As a result of temporary fluctuations in electron distribution creating instantaneous dipoles.