Identify the major intermolecular forces between each of the following atoms or molecules:
a. He
b. HBr
c. SnH4
d. CH3¬CH2¬CH2¬OH
I think b and c are hydrogen bonds. D is dipole-dipole attractions?
I don't think any of your answers are correct. See my answer to the same question above after reading the reference in Wikipedia.
SnH4 is a symmetrical molecule (like CH4). Dispersion forces is the obvious answer here. Alcohols, such as d, are H bonding.
He is due to dispersion forces. Aren't the bonds in HBr ionic? Read that link to wikipedia.
To identify the major intermolecular forces between atoms or molecules, we need to consider the types of bonds and the polarity of the molecules. Let's analyze each case:
a. He: Helium is a noble gas and exists as individual atoms. Noble gases are generally nonpolar and have weak London dispersion forces as their major intermolecular force. Therefore, the major intermolecular force in He is London dispersion forces.
b. HBr: Hydrogen bromide (HBr) is a polar molecule, as the hydrogen atom has a partial positive charge (δ+) and the bromine atom has a partial negative charge (δ-). The major intermolecular force in HBr is dipole-dipole attractions because of the polar nature of the molecule.
c. SnH4: Tin tetrahydride (SnH4) is a nonpolar molecule since the tin atom is surrounded by four hydrogen atoms, resulting in a symmetrical tetrahedral shape. Therefore, the major intermolecular force in SnH4 is London dispersion forces, similar to a.
d. CH3CH2CH2OH: This molecule is ethanol. It contains the elements carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O). The OH group in ethanol makes it a polar molecule, as the oxygen atom with a partial negative charge (δ-) and the C-H bonds with partial positive charges (δ+). The major intermolecular force in ethanol is hydrogen bonding due to the presence of the polar OH group.
In summary, the major intermolecular forces in each case are:
a. He: London dispersion forces
b. HBr: Dipole-dipole attractions
c. SnH4: London dispersion forces
d. CH3CH2CH2OH: Hydrogen bonding