Final answer:
Among methane (CH4), hydrogen fluoride (HF), nitrogen (N2), and chlorine (Cl2), chlorine would have the greatest dispersion forces because it is a larger and heavier molecule with more electrons than the others.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question is: "Which of the following substances would have the greatest dispersion forces? A) Methane (CH₄) B) Hydrogen fluoride (HF) C) Nitrogen (N₂) D) Chlorine (Cl₂)". To determine the greatest dispersion forces among these substances, we must consider the size and molecular mass of the molecules, as larger and heavier molecules tend to exhibit stronger dispersion forces.Looking at the options given, methane (CH₄) and hydrogen fluoride (HF) are smaller molecules with lower molecular weights compared to Chlorine (Cl₂), which is a diatomic molecule with a relatively higher molecular weight. Nitrogen (N₂) also is a diatomic molecule, but it is lighter than chlorine. Since dispersion forces are stronger in larger and heavier molecules, and because Cl₂ has more electrons than methane, HF, or N₂, it will exhibit the strongest dispersion forces among the four options provided.Conclusion: Chlorine (Cl₂) would have the greatest dispersion forces due to its larger size and heavier molecular weight compared to methane, hydrogen fluoride, and nitrogen.