Which type of intermolecular force is present between molecules of Cl_2?

• A. London dispersion force
• B. Dipole-dipole interaction
• C. Hydrogen bonding
• D. Ion-dipole interaction

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the molecular structure and polarity of Cl_2. Since Cl_2 is a diatomic molecule consisting of two identical chlorine atoms, it is nonpolar because the electronegativity difference is zero and the molecule is symmetrical.
2. Recall that intermolecular forces depend on molecular polarity and the presence of specific atoms. Nonpolar molecules like Cl_2 do not have permanent dipoles, so dipole-dipole interactions and hydrogen bonding are not possible.
3. Understand that hydrogen bonding requires a hydrogen atom bonded to highly electronegative atoms such as N, O, or F, which is not the case for Cl_2.
4. Recognize that ion-dipole interactions occur between ions and polar molecules, which does not apply to neutral, nonpolar Cl_2 molecules.
5. Conclude that the only intermolecular force present in Cl_2 molecules is the London dispersion force, which arises from temporary fluctuations in electron distribution creating instantaneous dipoles even in nonpolar molecules.