Arrange the following molecules in order of increasing strength of their dispersion forces: Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe.

• A. Ne < Ar < Kr < Xe
• B. Ar < Ne < Xe < Kr
• C. Kr < Xe < Ne < Ar
• D. Xe < Kr < Ar < Ne

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that dispersion forces (also known as London dispersion forces) are a type of intermolecular force that arise due to temporary fluctuations in electron distribution within molecules or atoms, creating instantaneous dipoles.
2. Recognize that the strength of dispersion forces generally increases with the size and molar mass of the atom or molecule because larger atoms have more electrons and a more easily polarizable electron cloud.
3. Identify the atoms given: Ne (neon), Ar (argon), Kr (krypton), and Xe (xenon), which are all noble gases arranged in increasing atomic number and molar mass as Ne < Ar < Kr < Xe.
4. Conclude that the order of increasing dispersion force strength corresponds to the order of increasing atomic size and molar mass, which is Ne < Ar < Kr < Xe.
5. Therefore, arrange the molecules in order of increasing dispersion forces as: Ne < Ar < Kr < Xe.