An intermolecular force can be described as the attraction between two molecules caused by brief, temporary dipoles created by the random asymmetrical distribution of electrons within the molecules. Which force does this describe?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

To begin, let's restate the core idea in the question: an intermolecular attraction arising from temporary dipoles caused by random electron distribution.
Option a: polar covalent bond. This describes a bond within a molecule where electrons are unequally shared between atoms, not an intermolecular force between two separate molecules. So it doesn't fit the description of an intermolecular attraction caused by transient dipoles.
Option b: dipole-dipole interactions. These occur between molecules that have permanent dipoles, leading to attractions based on opposing ends of the dipoles. While related to molecular interactions, they rely on stable, permanent dipoles rather than fleeting fluctuations, so this option does not match the “temporary dipoles” idea.
Option c: London dispersion forces. These arise precisely from temporary, instantaneous dipoles generated by random electron motion in atoms or nonpolar molecules, leading to weak but universal intermolecular attractions. This aligns with the description in the question.
Option d: hydrogen bonds. Hydrogen bonding is a specific, stronger type of dipole interaction that requires a hydrogen atom attached to highly electronegative atoms like fluorine, oxygen, or nitrogen. It involves specific donors and acceptors and is not defined by transient dipoles from random electron distribution, so it’s not correct here.
In summary, the description in the question matches the mechanism of London dispersion forces, as they are the intermittent attractions produced by fleeting dipoles in the electron cloud of atoms/molecules. The other options either describe intramolecular bonds or different, more specific types of intermolecular forces that rely on permanent dipoles or strong H-bonding rather than temporary fluctuations.

An intermolecular force can be described as the attraction between two molecules caused by brief, temporary dipoles created by the random asymmetrical distribution of electrons within the molecules. Which force does this describe?Single choice

Similar Questions

What type of inter-molecular force arises from instantaneous dipole moments?

As size of a molecule increases London Dispersion Forces increase.

Question at position 18 Establishing a wholly-owned subsidiary provides the quickest access to a new market.TrueFalse

Question at position 17 Leading companies should recognize that a firm based in a country with a national competitive advantage is not guaranteed ............................ as it implements its chosen international business-level strategy.dominanceplansuccessNone of the Above

Question at position 16 Costs associated with the issues firms face when entering foreign markets, including unfamiliar operating environments, economic, administrative, and cultural differences, are known as regionalization costs.TrueFalse

More Practical Tools for Students Powered by AI Study Helper

Homework AI Solver

Stylized AI Paper Writer

Plagiarism Checker Assistant

Citation AI Academic Writing Tool

In-Class Translation Assistant

AI Note Generator

AI Quiz Answers

Past Exam Questions from University Test Bank

Smart Practice Assistant

Adaptive Practice

Making Your Study Simpler