Question

Consider the compounds CI₂,HCI, F₂, NaF, and HF . Which compound has a boiling point closest to that of Argon? Explain.

Short answer

Chlorine has higher intermolecular interaction or London dispersion force. The boiling point of fluorine molecules is closest to that of Argon.

Here, the Chlorine molecule has a larger size than the Fluorine molecule. Hence, Chlorine has higher intermolecular interaction or London dispersion force.

HCl, NaF, and HF are ionic molecules; hence, they have a higher boiling point than Ar.

Argon has van der Waals force, which is known as the weakest force. That is why it has a very low boiling point. So F₂ has a boiling point that is the closest to Argon

Hence, we can conclude that the Fluorine molecule has a boiling point closest to Argon's.

Step-by-step solution

Boiling point

It is the temperature of the substance at which the vapor pressure e of the liquid equals the pressure surrounding it. At this point, the liquid starts converting to vapor.

When the intermolecular force of attraction increases between the molecules, the boiling point of molecules also increases.

Intermolecular forces

Intramolecular forces are well-known forces that work between the molecules as they hold atoms of the molecule together within a molecule.Intermolecular forces exist between molecules of any compound, such as water molecules.

Explanation

Chlorine has higher intermolecular interaction or London dispersion force. The boiling point of fluorine molecules is closest to that of Argon.

Here, the Chlorine molecule has a larger size than the Fluorine molecule. Hence, Chlorine has higher intermolecular interaction or London dispersion force.

HCl, NaF, and HF are ionic molecules; hence, they have a higher boiling point than Ar.

Argon has van der Waals force which is known as the weakest force. That is why it has a very low boiling point. So F₂ has a boiling point that is the closest to Argon

Hence, we can conclude that the Fluorine molecule has a boiling point closest to Argon's.