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The intermolecular attractions between nonpolar molecules such as hydrocarbons are called London ____ forces.

A)Dispersion
B)Covalent
C)Ionic
D)Hydrogen

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The intermolecular attractions between nonpolar molecules are called London dispersion forces, which result from temporary fluctuations in electron distribution, creating fleeting dipole moments that cause attraction.

Step-by-step explanation:

The intermolecular attractions between nonpolar molecules such as hydrocarbons are called London dispersion forces. These forces arise from temporary fluctuations in the electron distribution within atoms and nonpolar molecules, leading to the formation of short-lived instantaneous dipole moments. Even though the resulting force is fleeting, it consistently reappears, thus influencing the physical properties of nonpolar substances.

London dispersion forces are an essential type of van der Waals force and are present among all types of molecules. However, they are particularly noted as being the primary form of intermolecular interaction in nonpolar molecules, where other types of intermolecular forces such as hydrogen bonding and dipole-dipole interactions do not occur.

The correct answer to the question is A) Dispersion.

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