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Compare the dispersion forces between CH₃OH, N ₂, and CO?

1) CH₃OH has stronger dispersion forces than N ₂ and CO
2) N ₂ has stronger dispersion forces than CH₃OH and CO
3) CO has stronger dispersion forces than CH₃OH and N ₂
4) The dispersion forces are the same for CH₃OH, N ₂, and CO

User Lukino
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

CH₃OH has stronger dispersion forces than N₂ and CO because it has a larger molecular size and the capacity for hydrogen bonding, while CO has stronger forces than N₂ due to dipole-dipole attractions.

Step-by-step explanation:

When comparing the dispersion forces between CH₃OH, N₂, and CO, we must consider both the molecular mass and whether the molecules are polar or nonpolar. CH₃OH has stronger dispersion forces than N₂ and CO due to its larger molecular size and the presence of a highly polar hydrogen bonding capacity thanks to its -OH group. CO and N₂ both have similar molecular masses; however, CO is a polar molecule and can exhibit dipole-dipole attractions, making its intermolecular forces stronger than those in nonpolar N₂. Therefore, the correct answer is that CH₃OH has stronger dispersion forces than N₂ and CO.

User Reed Oei
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