Question 1
Question detail
Which of the following statements is true regarding 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. They only occur in nonpolar molecules.
- B. They increase with molecular size and surface area.
- C. They are stronger than hydrogen bonds.
- D. They are responsible for the high boiling points of ionic compounds.
Answer
They increase with molecular size and surface area.
Explanation
London dispersion forces become stronger with larger molecular size and greater surface area, as larger molecules have more electrons and can form stronger temporary dipoles.
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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