Determine the kinds of intermolecular forces that are present in each element or compound. a. N₂ b. NH₃ c. CO d. CCl₄

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Identify the molecular structure and polarity of each compound or element.

For N₂, recognize that it is a nonpolar diatomic molecule, so the primary intermolecular force is London dispersion forces.

For NH₃, note that it is a polar molecule with a significant difference in electronegativity between N and H, allowing for hydrogen bonding and dipole-dipole interactions.

For CO, understand that it is a polar molecule due to the difference in electronegativity between C and O, leading to dipole-dipole interactions.

For CCl₄, observe that it is a nonpolar molecule because of its symmetrical tetrahedral shape, so the main intermolecular force is London dispersion forces.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

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 interactions is crucial for predicting the behavior of substances in different states and conditions.

Types of Intermolecular Forces

Different types of intermolecular forces arise from the nature of the molecules involved. For example, hydrogen bonding occurs in molecules with N-H, O-H, or F-H bonds, while dipole-dipole interactions occur between polar molecules. London dispersion forces are present in all molecules, regardless of polarity, and are particularly significant in nonpolar substances.

Molecular Polarity

Molecular polarity is determined by the distribution of electron density within a molecule, which affects its intermolecular interactions. Polar molecules have a net dipole moment due to uneven electron sharing, while nonpolar molecules have symmetrical charge distributions. Identifying the polarity of each compound is essential for determining the types of intermolecular forces present.