Which type of intermolecular force arises from instantaneous dipole moments?

• 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 influence physical properties like boiling and melting points.
2. Recognize that instantaneous dipole moments occur when electrons in a molecule or atom are unevenly distributed at a given moment, creating a temporary dipole.
3. Identify that the intermolecular force arising from these temporary or instantaneous dipoles is called London dispersion forces, which are present in all molecules but dominate in nonpolar molecules.
4. Differentiate London dispersion forces from other intermolecular forces: dipole-dipole interactions occur between permanent dipoles, ion-dipole forces occur between 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 correct answer to the question is London dispersion forces, as they specifically arise from instantaneous dipole moments.