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Which molecule in each pair exhibits

stronger intermolecular forces of
attraction? b. HCl or HBr?

User Andeersg
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1 Answer

2 votes

Final answer:

Both HCl and HBr exhibit dipole-dipole attractions, but HCl likely exhibits stronger attractions due to chlorine's higher electronegativity compared to bromine.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the comparison between HCl (hydrogen chloride) and HBr (hydrogen bromide), both molecules exhibit dipole-dipole attractions. This is because both are polar molecules, with a partial positive charge on the hydrogen atom and a partial negative charge on the halogen atom.

However, the strength of this attraction is typically stronger in HCl due to chlorine being more electronegative than bromine, which creates a greater polarity within the molecule. Electronegativity differences between the atoms in a molecule are what lead to the development of a dipole, with the more electronegative atom acquiring a partial negative charge. As a result, HCl molecules would exhibit a slightly stronger dipole-dipole attraction compared to HBr molecules because of the higher electronegativity of chlorine.

User Orion Edwards
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