Question

What is a London dispersion force? A. The weak intermolecular force that results from the motion of electrons that creates temporary dipoles in molecules. B. The weak intermolecular force that results from the motion of protons that creates temporary dipoles in molecules C. The strong intermolecular force that results from the motion of electrons that creates temporary dipoles in molecules. D. The strong intermolecular force that results from the motion of protons that creates temporary dipoles in molecules.

Answer 1

A London dispersion force is a weak intermolecular force due to temporary dipoles induced by electron motion in atoms. These forces, which increase with molecular size, contribute to various intermolecular behaviors including a liquid's viscosity and surface tension.

Step-by-step explanation:

The London dispersion force is defined as the weak intermolecular force that results from the motion of electrons that creates temporary dipoles in molecules. This force originates from the motion of the electrons in an atom, which can induce a dipole in an adjacent atom leading to the arising of the London dispersion force. These forces increase with increasing molecular size as the number of electrons also increases.

Moreover, London dispersion forces play a crucial role in determining various intermolecular behaviors among liquids and solids. They are essentially electrostatic in nature and contribute to a liquid's viscosity and surface tension by inducing cohesive forces between like molecules.

It's worth noting these temporary dipoles create a weak attraction between molecules, which becomes significant when the molecules are very close. Even though they are weaker than other intermolecular forces like hydrogen bonding or dipole-dipole attraction, London dispersion forces are noticeable in all molecules, including nonpolar ones.

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