Question

London dispersion force is the only intermolecular force that works on what?
a.) Noble gases and non-polar molecules
b.) Polar molecules
c.) Noble gases
d.) Non-polar molecules
e.) Solids

Answer 1

Hint: London dispersion force is a part of Van der waals force. And this force works on all atoms and molecules. There are some molecules or compounds on which only this force works.

Step by step solution:
The London dispersion force is the weakest intermolecular force.
The London dispersion force is a temporary attractive force that results when the electrons in two adjacent atoms occupy positions that make the atoms form temporary dipoles.
This force is sometimes called an induced dipole-induced dipole attraction. This force is a part of Van der waals force.
These London dispersion forces are often found in the halogens for example \[{{F}_{2}}\] and \[{{I}_{2}}\], the noble or inert gases for example Ne and Ar, and in other nonpolar molecules such as carbon dioxide and methane.
So, from the above points we can say that, the correct option is “A”.
Others are incorrect because there are other forces also acting on those molecules like electron – electron repulsion force.

Note: This force is the weakest force that results from the motion of electrons that creates temporary dipoles in the molecules. And this force is weaker in smaller atoms and stronger in larger atoms. Because they have more electrons that are farther from the nucleus and are able to move around easier.