An intermolecular force can be described as the attraction between two molecules caused by brief, temporary dipoles created by the random asymmetrical distribution of electrons within the molecules. Which force does this describe?

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To begin, let's restate the core idea in the question: an intermolecular attraction arising from temporary dipoles caused by random electron distribution.
Option a: polar covalent bond. This describes a bond within a molecule where electrons are unequally shared between atoms, not an intermolecular force between two separate molecules. So it doesn't fit the description of an intermolecular attraction caused by transient dipoles.
Option b: dipole-dipole interactions. These occur between molecules that have permanent dipoles, leading to attractions based on opposing ends of the dipoles. While related to molecular interactions, they rely on stable, permanent dipoles rather than fleeting fluctuations, so this option does not match the “temporary dipoles” idea.
Option c: London dispersion forces. These arise precisely from temporary, instantaneous dipoles generated by random electron motion in atoms or nonpolar molecules, leading to weak but universal intermolecular attractions. This aligns with the description in the question.
Option d: hydrogen bonds. Hydrogen bonding is a specific, stronger type of dipole interaction that requires a hydrogen atom attached to highly electronegative atoms like fluorine, oxygen, or nitrogen. It involves specific donors and acceptors and is not defined by transient dipoles from random electron distribution, so it’s not correct here.
In summary, the description in the question matches the mechanism of London dispersion forces, as they are the intermittent attractions produced by fleeting dipoles in the electron cloud of atoms/molecules. The other options either describe intramolecular bonds or different, more specific types of intermolecular forces that rely on permanent dipoles or strong H-bonding rather than temporary fluctuations.

MCD1170 Introductory Chemistry - Trimester 1 - 2025

An intermolecular force can be described as the attraction between two molecules caused by brief, temporary dipoles created by the random asymmetrical distribution of electrons within the molecules. Which force does this describe?

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