Which intermolecular force arises due to the formation of an instantaneous dipole in a molecule?

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

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that intermolecular forces are attractions between molecules that affect physical properties like boiling and melting points.
2. Recognize that an instantaneous dipole occurs when electrons in a molecule momentarily shift, creating a temporary dipole even in nonpolar molecules.
3. Identify that the intermolecular force caused by these temporary dipoles is called London dispersion forces, which are present in all molecules but dominate in nonpolar ones.
4. Differentiate London dispersion forces from other forces: dipole-dipole interactions occur between permanent dipoles, ion-dipole forces involve ions and polar molecules, and hydrogen bonding is a special strong dipole-dipole interaction involving H bonded to N, O, or F.
5. Conclude that the force arising from instantaneous dipoles is London dispersion forces.