_____________ are a type of intermolecular force that _____________ .
A. London forces; occur between permanent dipoles
B. London forces; are the attractive forces between all molecules due to instantaneous dipoles
C. Hydrogen bonds; are weaker than dipole-dipole forces
D. Hydrogen bonds; occur only between nonpolar molecules
London forces; are the attractive forces between all molecules due to instantaneous dipoles
B. London forces; are the attractive forces between all molecules due to instantaneous dipoles.
The correct answer is:
B. London forces; are the attractive forces between all molecules due to instantaneous dipoles.
To arrive at this answer, we need to understand what London forces are and how they work.
London forces, also known as dispersion forces or van der Waals forces, are a type of intermolecular force. Intermolecular forces are the forces of attraction between different molecules.
London forces occur between all molecules, regardless of their polarity, and are responsible for the attractions between nonpolar molecules as well. This type of force arises from the temporary fluctuations in electron distribution, leading to the creation of temporary dipoles within molecules.
In other words, as electrons move within a molecule, there may be a temporary imbalance of charge, resulting in a temporary dipole moment. These temporary dipoles can induce a similar temporary dipole in neighboring molecules, leading to attractive forces between them.
This answer (B) correctly states that London forces are the attractive forces between all molecules due to these fluctuations in electron distribution and the creation of temporary dipoles.
To arrive at this answer independently, you could study the topic of intermolecular forces and examine the characteristics of different forces such as London forces, dipole-dipole forces, and hydrogen bonds. Understanding the concepts behind intermolecular forces and how London forces arise would help you identify the correct answer.