Which type of intermolecular force is primarily responsible for making polyethylene a solid material at room temperature?

• A. Ionic bonding
• B. London dispersion forces
• C. Hydrogen bonding
• D. Dipole-dipole interactions

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the nature of polyethylene: Polyethylene is a polymer made up of long chains of nonpolar hydrocarbon molecules (consisting mainly of carbon and hydrogen atoms).
2. Recall the types of intermolecular forces: Ionic bonding occurs between charged ions, hydrogen bonding requires hydrogen attached to highly electronegative atoms (like O, N, or F), and dipole-dipole interactions occur between polar molecules.
3. Analyze the polarity of polyethylene: Since polyethylene is nonpolar, it does not have permanent dipoles and cannot exhibit hydrogen bonding or dipole-dipole interactions.
4. Determine the relevant intermolecular force: Nonpolar molecules like polyethylene experience London dispersion forces, which are temporary induced dipoles caused by fluctuations in electron distribution.
5. Conclude that London dispersion forces are the primary intermolecular force responsible for holding polyethylene molecules together in the solid state at room temperature.