Question Detail

CHM 101 Chemical Bonding and Intermolecular Forces Objective Question
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Question

In the context of intermolecular forces, what is polarizability?
Options
A The ability of a molecule to form hydrogen bonds
B The tendency of an electron cloud to distort, creating temporary dipoles
Correct Answer
C The strength of an ionic bond
D The measure of a molecule's permanent dipole moment
Correct Answer

Option B is the correct answer.

Detailed Explanation

Polarizability is the tendency of an electron cloud to distort in response to an external electric field or the presence of a neighboring dipole. This distortion leads to the formation of temporary, instantaneous dipoles that contribute to London dispersion forces.

Hint

Larger atoms with more electrons are more easily polarizable.

Question Info

Course: CHM 101
Topic: Chemical Bonding and Intermolecular Forces
Type: Objective
Difficulty: Not specified
Question 1646 of 1872
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