Which type of interaction is primarily responsible for holding molecules together in noble gases?
Correct answer: D. London dispersion forces
- A. Covalent bond
- B. Electrostatic forces of attraction
- C. Hydrogen bonding
- D. London dispersion forces
Explanation
Noble gas atoms are non polar and form no bonds, so the only attraction between them is London dispersion forces arising from temporary dipoles. These grow with atomic size, which is why boiling points rise from helium to xenon. Hydrogen bonding needs H bonded to N, O or F, and covalent bonds would require the atoms to share electrons.
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Valence shell electron pair repulsion theory predicts molecular shape by arranging bonding pairs and lone pairs around a central atom to minimize repulsion. Questions cover linear, trigonal planar, tetrahedral, trigonal bipyramidal and octahedral electron geometries, bond angles and distortions caused by lone pairs. Electron geometry is not always the same as molecular shape.
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