65.0k views
5 votes
What are the most important kinds of intermolecular forces present in each of the following substances?

A. Chloroform, CHCL₃
B. Oxygen, O₂
C. Polyethylene, CₙH₂ₙ₊₂
D. Methanol, CH₃OH

1 Answer

1 vote

Final answer:

Substances like chloroform, oxygen, polyethylene, and methanol have intermolecular forces such as London dispersion forces, dipole-dipole interactions, and hydrogen bonding, which vary according to their molecular structures.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student is asking about the intermolecular forces present in various substances. Intermolecular forces are the forces of attraction between molecules.

Here is a breakdown for each substance:

  • A. Chloroform, CHCl₃ - The most important intermolecular forces in chloroform are dipole-dipole interactions due to the polar C-Cl bonds, as well as London dispersion forces.
  • B. Oxygen, O₂ - In oxygen, the primary intermolecular force is the London dispersion force, as it is a nonpolar molecule with no permanent dipole.
  • C. Polyethylene, CₙH₂ₙ⁺₂ - Polyethylene has significant London dispersion forces due to the long chains of hydrocarbons which allows for more points of contact and therefore stronger dispersion forces.
  • D. Methanol, CH₃OH - Methanol exhibits hydrogen bonding because of the O-H bond, alongside London dispersion forces and dipole-dipole interactions.

Each substance has a predominant type of intermolecular force based on its molecular structure and bonding.

User Paul Lammertsma
by
8.1k points