Determine the kinds of intermolecular forces that are present in each element or compound. c. CCl₄

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the molecular structure of CCl_4. It is a tetrahedral molecule with carbon at the center and four chlorine atoms at the corners.
2. Determine the polarity of the C-Cl bond. The bond is polar due to the difference in electronegativity between carbon and chlorine.
3. Assess the overall polarity of the CCl_4 molecule. Despite having polar bonds, the molecule is nonpolar because the dipoles cancel out due to its symmetrical shape.
4. Identify the types of intermolecular forces present. Since CCl_4 is nonpolar, the primary intermolecular force is London dispersion forces.
5. Conclude that CCl_4 exhibits London dispersion forces, which are present in all molecules, especially nonpolar ones like CCl_4.

Key Concepts

Intermolecular Forces

Intermolecular forces are the attractive forces between molecules that influence physical properties such as boiling and melting points. These forces include hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole interactions, and London dispersion forces. Understanding these forces is crucial for predicting the behavior of substances in different states of matter.

Molecular Polarity

Molecular polarity refers to the distribution of electrical charge across a molecule, which determines whether it has a positive or negative end. Polar molecules have a significant difference in electronegativity between atoms, leading to dipole moments. In contrast, nonpolar molecules, like CCl4, have symmetrical arrangements that cancel out dipoles, resulting in no overall polarity.

CCl4 Structure and Properties

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is a tetrahedral molecule with four chlorine atoms symmetrically arranged around a central carbon atom. This symmetry leads to a nonpolar character, meaning the only intermolecular forces present are London dispersion forces. Understanding the molecular structure helps in predicting its physical properties and behavior in various chemical contexts.