Which type of intermolecular force is primarily responsible for the attraction between I_2 molecules?

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

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the molecular structure and polarity of the molecule in question. Iodine (I_2) is a diatomic molecule consisting of two identical iodine atoms, making it nonpolar.
2. Recall that nonpolar molecules do not have permanent dipoles, so forces like dipole-dipole interactions and hydrogen bonding are not applicable here.
3. Understand that ion-dipole forces require the presence of ions, which are not present in I_2 molecules.
4. Recognize that London dispersion forces (also called induced dipole-induced dipole forces) are the only intermolecular forces that act between nonpolar molecules like I_2.
5. Conclude that the primary intermolecular force responsible for the attraction between I_2 molecules is London dispersion forces.