Question

List the substances Ar, Cl2, CH4, and CH3COOH, in order of increasing strength of intermolecular attractions. List the substances , , , and , in order of increasing strength of intermolecular attractions. CH4 < Ar< CH3COOH < Cl2 CH3COOH < Cl2 < Ar < CH4 Ar < Cl2 < CH4 < CH3COOH Cl2 < CH3COOH < Ar < CH4 CH4 < Ar < Cl2 < CH3COOH

Answer 1

Answer:

Order of increasing strength of intermolecular attraction:

$CH_3COOH$ > $Cl_2$ > $CH_4$ > Ar

Explanation:

$CH_3COOH$ can form hydrogen bond as H atom is attached with electronegative atom O.

Rest three, $Cl_2$,  $CH_4$,  Ar are non-polar molecules.

In non-polar molecules, van der Waal's intermolecular forces of attractions exist. Hydrogen bonding is stronger intermolecular attraction then van der Waal's intermolecular forces of attraction, hence, $CH_3COOH$ has strongest intermolecular attractions.

Ar will have least intermolecular attraction, as it behaves almost as ideal gas and there is no intermolecular attraction exist between molecules of ideal gases.

Molecular size and mass of $Cl_2$ is high as compared to $CH_4$.

van der Waals intermolecular forces of attraction increases with increase in size.

Therefore,

Order of increasing strength of intermolecular attraction will be:

$CH_3COOH$ > $Cl_2$ > $CH_4$ > Ar

Answer 2

Of the choices listed in the question:

CH4 < Ar< CH3COOH < Cl2
CH3COOH < Cl2 < Ar < CH4
Ar < Cl2 < CH4 < CH3COOH
Cl2 < CH3COOH < Ar < CH4
CH4 < Ar < Cl2 < CH3COOH <-- because CH4, Ar and Cl2 are non-polar you use their molecular weight to determine which one would have greater intermolecular attraction, and lastly CH3COOH has hydrogen bond intermolecular attraction