Question

Which of the following forces is involved in dinitrogen?

• A. Dipole-dipole interaction
• B. Dipole-induced dipole interaction
• C. London dispersion force
• D. Hydrogen bonding

Hint:

All homonuclear diatomic molecules such as \(H_2\), \(N_2\), \(O_2\), and \(Cl_2\) are non-polar and mainly exhibit London dispersion forces.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: Intermolecular forces are the forces of attraction and repulsion between interacting particles (atoms and molecules). To determine the type of force present in a substance, we must first analyze the molecular structure and polarity of its constituent molecules.
• Dipole-dipole interactions occur between molecules with permanent dipoles (polar molecules).
• Dipole-induced dipole interactions occur between a polar molecule and a non-polar molecule.
• London dispersion forces (or van der Waals forces) are present in all molecules but are the only intermolecular forces in non-polar molecules and noble gases.
• Hydrogen bonding occurs when hydrogen is bonded to highly electronegative atoms like F, O, or N.

Step 1: Analyzing the molecular structure of dinitrogen.
Dinitrogen is represented by \(N_2\). It is a homonuclear diatomic molecule in which both atoms are identical and have the same electronegativity.

Step 2: Determining the polarity of the molecule.
Since both atoms are identical, electron sharing is equal and the molecule is non-polar.

Step 3: Identifying the intermolecular force.
As \(N_2\) is non-polar:
• It does not exhibit dipole-dipole interaction.
• It does not exhibit hydrogen bonding.
• The only intermolecular force present is London dispersion force.