Chapter 14, Problem 8STP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Intermolecular force exhibited by the methane is to be explained.

Concept introduction:

Methane is gas found in small quantities in earth’s atmosphere. Methane consists of one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms. The chemical formula of methane is $C{H}_4$ .

Answer to Problem 8STP

London dispersion forces are the only intermolecular forces in methane

Explanation of Solution

The only intermolecular forces in methane are London dispersion forces.The chemical formula of methane is $C{H}_4$ .

The molecule bonding of methane is such that the electronegativites of $C$ and $H$ are close and so bond is non-polar and there will be no dipoles moment. In a non polar molecule, electrons are always moving and in close contact with other end of adjacent molecule which creates a temporary dipole with one end as negative and other as positive.

This positive temporary attraction force with adjacent molecule electrons is the London dispersion force.