Question

What type of intermolecular force(s) can exist between two neon atoms? 1\. Dispersion forces 2\. Dipole-induced dipole 3\. \(\quad\) Dipole-dipole 1\. I only 2\. II only 3\. I and II only 4\. I and III only

Short answer

The correct answer is option 1: "I only" (which refers to dispersion forces). Neon atoms can only have dispersion forces between them, as they are nonpolar with no permanent dipole moment and cannot have dipole-induced dipole or dipole-dipole forces.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the types of intermolecular forces

There are three main types of intermolecular forces (IMFs): 1. Dispersion forces: They are the weakest type of IMFs, and they occur due to temporary fluctuations in the electron distribution around atoms or molecules, creating temporary dipoles. These forces occur between all types of particles, including noble gases like neon. 2. Dipole-induced dipole: This type of IMF occurs between a polar molecule (with a permanent dipole moment) and a nonpolar molecule. The permanent dipole of the polar molecule induces a temporary dipole in the nonpolar molecule, leading to an attractive force between them. 3. Dipole-dipole: These forces occur between polar molecules with permanent dipole moments, and they involve the attraction between the positive and negative ends of the dipoles.

Evaluate the possibility of dispersion forces between neon atoms

Dispersion forces arise from temporary fluctuations in the electron distribution around atoms or molecules. They are present in all types of particles, even in nonpolar molecules and noble gases. Neon, being a noble gas, has dispersion forces between its atoms.

Evaluate the possibility of dipole-induced dipole forces between neon atoms

Dipole-induced dipole forces occur between polar and nonpolar molecules. Since neon is a nonpolar atom with no permanent dipole moment, it cannot have dipole-induced dipole forces between its atoms. Both interacting species must be neon atoms, and thus, there is no possibility of having a polar molecule in the interaction.

Evaluate the possibility of dipole-dipole forces between neon atoms

Dipole-dipole forces occur between polar molecules with permanent dipole moments. Neon is a symmetrical atom with no permanent dipole moment, so it cannot have dipole-dipole forces between its atoms.

Select the correct answer

Based on our analysis: - Neon can have dispersion forces. - Neon cannot have dipole-induced dipole or dipole-dipole forces. Therefore, the correct answer is option 1: "I only" (which refers to dispersion forces).

Key concepts

Dispersion Forces

Dispersion forces, also known as London dispersion forces, are the most basic type of intermolecular force. Despite being the weakest kind, they are present in all molecules. These forces arise because electrons within an atom's electron cloud are constantly in motion, causing temporary unevenness in charge distribution. This temporary change generates a temporary dipole that can induce further temporary dipoles in nearby molecules or atoms.

In particular, dispersion forces are significant between nonpolar molecules and noble gases like neon, where other types of intermolecular forces are absent. While they are momentary, these forces can sum up to appreciable strengths, especially in larger and more massive atoms or molecules because they have larger, more easily polarizable electron clouds. Nevertheless, for smaller atoms like neon, dispersion forces remain quite weak. It's important to remember that without dispersion forces, even noble gases wouldn't condense into liquids at low temperatures.

Dipole-Induced Dipole

Dipole-induced dipole forces are intriguing because they involve both polar and nonpolar molecules in bringing about intermolecular attraction. When a polar molecule, which has a permanent dipole, approaches a nonpolar molecule, its electric field can shift the electrons within the nonpolar molecule. This shift induces a temporary dipole in the otherwise nonpolar molecule.

However, in the case of interactions between two neon atoms, dipole-induced dipole forces do not come into play. Neon is a noble gas that is nonpolar, meaning it does not have the necessary permanent dipole needed to induce a dipole in another atom. For dipole-induced dipole interactions to occur, there must be at least one polar molecule involved, which is absent in neon-neon interactions.

Noble Gases

Noble gases, such as neon, make up a unique group of elements located in Group 18 of the periodic table. Known for their inertness, these gases have full electron shells, which gives them great stability and low reactivity. Because they don't easily form bonds with other atoms, most intermolecular attractions in noble gases are limited to weak dispersion forces.

This is the reason why noble gases can exist as monatomic gases under standard conditions. Even though dispersion forces exist between noble gas atoms, like in neon, these forces are remarkably weak due to the small size and low polarizability of the gas atoms. Full electron shells mean there is little opportunity for interactions with other gas atoms, explaining why noble gases like neon remain gases at room temperatures and require extremely low temperatures to condense into liquids.