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).