Multiple Choice
Which of the following molecules would have the strongest intramolecular forces?
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13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces
Intermolecular Forces
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Which is the strongest type of intermolecular force present in propane (C_3H_8)?
A
London dispersion forces
B
Ion-dipole interactions
C
Hydrogen bonding
D
Dipole-dipole interactions
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the molecular structure of propane (C\_3H\_8). Propane is a nonpolar molecule composed only of carbon and hydrogen atoms arranged in a hydrocarbon chain.
Recall the types of intermolecular forces: ion-dipole, hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole, and London dispersion forces. Each depends on the polarity and presence of specific atoms or ions.
Determine if propane has any permanent dipole moment. Since propane is nonpolar (C-H bonds are only slightly polar and arranged symmetrically), it does not have a permanent dipole moment, so dipole-dipole interactions are not significant.
Check for hydrogen bonding. Hydrogen bonding requires hydrogen attached to highly electronegative atoms like N, O, or F. Propane has no such atoms, so hydrogen bonding is absent.
Conclude that the strongest intermolecular force in propane is London dispersion forces, which arise from temporary fluctuations in electron density creating instantaneous dipoles even in nonpolar molecules.
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