Sulfur hexafluoride, SF6, has which types of intermolecular forces? X) dispersion forces dipole-dipole forces 2) Hydrogen bonds only Z Xey oxy6z
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: X) Dispersion forces
Explanation:
Sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) is a molecule that consists of one sulfur atom bonded to six fluorine atoms. To determine the types of intermolecular forces it exhibits, we must look at both the molecular geometry and the nature of the atoms involved.
- Molecular geometry and polarity:
SF₆ has an octahedral geometry, where all six fluorine atoms are symmetrically arranged around the central sulfur atom. This symmetry causes the individual bond dipoles to cancel each other out. As a result, the molecule is nonpolar despite having highly electronegative fluorine atoms.
- Types of intermolecular forces:
There are three main types of intermolecular forces in molecular substances:
- Dispersion forces (London forces): These are present in all molecules, regardless of polarity. They arise due to temporary fluctuations in electron density that create instantaneous dipoles. In nonpolar molecules like SF₆, dispersion forces are the only type of intermolecular attraction present.
- Dipole-dipole forces: These occur between molecules that are polar. Since SF₆ is nonpolar, it does not have dipole-dipole interactions.
- Hydrogen bonds: These are special types of dipole-dipole interactions that occur when hydrogen is directly bonded to nitrogen, oxygen, or fluorine. In SF₆, there is no hydrogen present, so hydrogen bonding is not possible.
- Conclusion:
Because SF₆ is a nonpolar molecule with no hydrogen atoms, the only intermolecular force it exhibits is dispersion forces. These forces are relatively weak compared to dipole-dipole forces and hydrogen bonds, but they are still significant, especially in large, heavy molecules like SF₆.
Therefore, the correct answer is:
X) Dispersion forces.
