Question 1
Question detail
What is the primary cause of London dispersion forces?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Bonding
Question
- A. Permanent dipoles in polar molecules
- B. Temporary dipoles due to electron movement
- C. Ionic interactions between charged particles
- D. Hydrogen bonding between molecules
Answer
Temporary dipoles due to electron movement
Explanation
London dispersion forces arise from temporary dipoles that occur when the electron distribution around a molecule becomes uneven, leading to an instantaneous dipole that can induce dipoles in neighboring molecules.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding London Dispersion Forces
Students often confuse London dispersion forces with stronger intermolecular forces like hydrogen bonds, thinking they have similar strengths.
London dispersion forces are weak intermolecular forces that arise from temporary dipoles in molecules. To clarify, remember that these forces increase with molecular size and surface area. For example, larger molecules have more electrons, leading to stronger temporary dipoles and thus stronger London dispersion forces. Always compare them to other forces to understand their relative weakness.
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