The strongest intermolecular forces present in a sample of pure I2 are
A. covalent bonds.
B. covalent network bonds.
C. metallic bonds.
D. dipole–dipole forces.
E. London forces.
E. London forces.
To determine the strongest intermolecular forces present in a sample of pure I2, we need to consider the nature of the I2 molecule.
I2 is a nonpolar molecule, meaning that the distribution of electron density in the molecule is symmetrical. Since I2 is a diatomic molecule composed of two iodine atoms (I), it consists of a covalent bond between the two atoms.
The strongest intermolecular forces in I2 are London dispersion forces, also known as van der Waals forces. These forces arise from temporary fluctuations in the electron distribution of the molecule, creating temporary dipoles. In the case of I2, the temporary dipoles induce a dipole moment in neighboring molecules, leading to attractive forces between the molecules.
Therefore, the correct answer is E. London forces.
The correct answer is E. London forces.
I2 (diiodine) is a nonpolar molecule, meaning its electron distribution is symmetrical. In nonpolar molecules like I2, the strongest intermolecular forces are London forces, also known as dispersion forces or van der Waals forces. London forces are weak attractive forces that arise due to temporary fluctuations in electron density. These forces occur between all molecules, regardless of their polarity.
Covalent bonds (option A) refer to the strong intramolecular forces that hold the atoms together within a molecule. Covalent network bonds (option B) are a type of covalent bond in which the atoms are connected in a network structure, such as in diamond or quartz. Metallic bonds (option C) occur in metals where there is a sea of delocalized electrons holding the metal atoms together. Dipole-dipole forces (option D) are a type of intermolecular force that occurs between polar molecules, where the positive end of one molecule attracts the negative end of another molecule.
Therefore, the correct answer is E. London forces.