Which of the following statements best describes why London dispersion forces are…
CHEMISTRY · Single correct · A Level · Chemistry · Bonding · Bonding
Problem
Which of the following statements best describes why London dispersion forces are considered a universal background attraction between neutral molecules, whereas dipole–dipole interactions are not?
(a) London dispersion forces are observed only in non-polar molecules, because a permanent dipole prevents instantaneous dipoles from forming.
(b) London dispersion forces arise from instantaneous dipoles that can form in any atom or molecule, whereas dipole–dipole interactions require permanent molecular dipoles.
(c) London dispersion forces arise only in molecules that contain highly electronegative atoms.
(d) Because dipole–dipole interactions decrease with distance more quickly than London dispersion forces, the latter dominate at all separations, making them universal.