Question

Of Br₂, Ne, HCl, HBr, and N₂, which is likely to have:

a. The largest intermolecular London forces? Why?
b. The largest dipole-dipole attractive forces? Why?
A) a. Br₂; larger molecular weight, b. HCl; larger dipole moment
B) a. Ne; smaller molecular weight, b. N₂; no dipole moment
C) a. N₂; no dipole moment, b. HBr; larger dipole moment
D) a. Br₂; larger molecular weight, b. HBr; larger dipole moment

Answer 1

Br₂ is likely to have the largest intermolecular London forces due to its larger molecular weight. HCl is likely to have the largest dipole-dipole attractive forces due to its polar nature.

Step-by-step explanation:

The substance that is likely to have the largest intermolecular London forces is Br₂. London forces, also known as London dispersion forces, are weak attractive forces between nonpolar molecules caused by temporary fluctuations in the electron distribution. Br₂ is a nonpolar molecule, and it has a larger molecular weight compared to the other substances listed. This means it has more electrons, which leads to stronger London forces.

The substance that is likely to have the largest dipole-dipole attractive forces is HCl. Dipole-dipole forces occur between polar molecules and are stronger than London forces. HCl is a polar molecule because the chlorine atom is more electronegative than the hydrogen atom, creating a partial negative charge on chlorine and a partial positive charge on hydrogen. This unequal charge distribution leads to stronger dipole-dipole forces.