Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 27: Problem 13

In the alkanes: a) what type(s) of intermolecular force is (are) present? b) what is the strongest intermolecular force present?

Short Answer

Expert verified
a) The type of intermolecular force present in alkanes is the London dispersion force (van der Waals force). b) Thus, the strongest intermolecular force present in alkanes is also the London dispersion force.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Alkanes

Alkanes are hydrocarbons, consisting only of hydrogen (H) and carbon (C) atoms. They have only single bonds and have the general formula \(C_nH_{2n+2}\). Because of the similar electronegativities of hydrogen and carbon, the bonds in an alkane are essentially nonpolar.
02

Identifying Intermolecular Forces in Alkanes

The nonpolar nature of alkanes means that the only intermolecular forces that they exhibit are London dispersion forces (also known as van der Waals forces). These are extremely weak forces that arise from the temporary fluctuations of electron density in a molecule, creating short-lived charges that induce similar fluctuations in nearby molecules.
03

Identifying the Strongest Intermolecular Force in Alkanes

Van der Waals forces are the only type of intermolecular forces that occur in alkanes. Therefore, they also constitute the strongest intermolecular force in an alkane.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

In the alcohols: a) what type(s) of intermolecular force is (are) present? b) what is the strongest intermolecular force present?

For each type of compound below, indicate how the boiling point changes as the molecular weight of the compound increases: a) alkane b) ketone c) alcohol

In terms of intermolecular forces, why does the boiling point of a particular type of compound (for example, an alkane) increase as the molecular weight increases?

When water evaporates, are any bonds between \(\mathrm{H}\) atoms and \(\mathrm{O}\) atoms within a molecule broken?

In the ketones: a) what type(s) of intermolecular force is (are) present? b) what is the strongest intermolecular force present?
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Chemical Reactions

Read Explanation

Physical Chemistry

Read Explanation

Making Measurements

Read Explanation

Organic Chemistry

Read Explanation

Kinetics

Read Explanation

Chemical Analysis

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free