The predominant intermolecular force between molecules of I2 is _____

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

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the type of molecule: I2 (iodine) is a diatomic molecule consisting of two identical iodine atoms, making it a nonpolar molecule.
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 London dispersion forces (also called induced dipole-induced dipole forces) are the only intermolecular forces present between nonpolar molecules like I2.
4. Recognize that London dispersion forces arise due to temporary fluctuations in electron distribution, which induce temporary dipoles in neighboring molecules.
5. Conclude that the predominant intermolecular force between I2 molecules is London dispersion forces.