Which forces exist between iron, Fe, particles?

Question 9 options:

a) dispersion
b) metallic bonding
c) hydrogen bonding
d) dipole-dipole
e) dipole-induced dipole

b) metallic bonding

The forces that exist between iron (Fe) particles are metallic bonding.

To determine which forces exist between iron (Fe) particles, we need to identify the type of bonding that occurs between them. There are several types of intermolecular forces that can exist between particles, and the most common ones include dispersion forces, metallic bonding, hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole forces, and dipole-induced dipole forces.

Let's go through each of the options and assess whether it applies to the forces between iron particles:

a) Dispersion forces: These forces are also known as London forces and occur between all atoms and molecules. However, they are typically weak and are dependent on the temporary fluctuations in electron density. Iron particles, being metallic in nature, have a different type of bonding, so dispersion forces may not be the primary force between them.

b) Metallic bonding: Metallic bonding occurs between metal atoms and is characterized by the sharing of delocalized electrons. In the case of iron particles, metallic bonding is indeed the primary force holding them together. Therefore, this option is correct.

c) Hydrogen bonding: Hydrogen bonding occurs between a hydrogen atom bonded to a highly electronegative atom (such as oxygen, nitrogen, or fluorine) and another electronegative atom. Iron does not form hydrogen bonds with other iron particles, so this option is incorrect.

d) Dipole-dipole forces: Dipole-dipole forces occur between polar molecules that have permanent dipoles. Since iron particles are not composed of polar molecules, this option is not applicable.

e) Dipole-induced dipole forces: Dipole-induced dipole forces occur between polar and nonpolar molecules. While it is possible for iron particles to induce temporary dipoles in nearby nonpolar molecules, this is not the main force of attraction between iron particles.

In summary, the correct force that exists between iron (Fe) particles is metallic bonding (option b).