Identify the type of interaction between atoms in a nonbonding atomic solid O hydrogen bonding ? covalent bonding O ionic bonding O dispersion forces
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is: dispersion forces.
Explanation:
A nonbonding atomic solid is a type of crystalline solid composed of individual atoms held together by weak intermolecular forces, not by chemical bonds like covalent or ionic bonds. These solids are typically formed from noble gases, such as helium, neon, argon, krypton, and xenon.
The interaction that holds the atoms together in nonbonding atomic solids is known as London dispersion forces, which fall under the broader category of van der Waals forces.
What are dispersion forces?
Dispersion forces arise from temporary fluctuations in the electron cloud of an atom. These fluctuations create a temporary dipole in one atom, which can then induce a dipole in a neighboring atom. As a result, a weak attractive force is established between the two atoms. Even though these forces are very weak compared to other types of interactions, they can hold atoms together at low temperatures in the solid state.
Why not the other options?
- Hydrogen bonding only occurs between molecules that have a hydrogen atom bonded to a highly electronegative atom like oxygen, nitrogen, or fluorine. Atomic solids made of noble gases do not have such bonds.
- Covalent bonding is found in network solids like diamond (carbon) or quartz (SiO₂), where atoms are linked by strong directional bonds throughout the entire structure. Nonbonding atomic solids do not exhibit this kind of structure.
- Ionic bonding involves the electrostatic attraction between positively and negatively charged ions, such as in sodium chloride (NaCl). This is not relevant in atomic solids where there are no ions involved.
Therefore, the only type of interaction responsible for the structure of a nonbonding atomic solid is dispersion forces. These forces explain why noble gases can exist as solids at very low temperatures, even though they do not form traditional chemical bonds with each other.
