Question

Based on the molecular structures of chloromethane and methane shown, a student makes the claim that a pure sample of chloromethane has stronger intermolecular forces than a pure sample of methane has.

Answer 1

Answer:

Yes, chloromethane has stronger intermolecular forces than a pure sample of methane has.

Explanation:

In both methane and chloromethane, there are weak dispersion forces. However, in methane, the dispersion forces are the only intermolecular forces present. Also, the lower molar mass of methane means that it has a lower degree of dispersion forces.

For chloromethane, there is in addition to dispersion forces, dipole-dipole interaction arising from the polar C-Cl bond in the molecule. Also the molar mass of chloromethane  is greater than that of methane implying a greater magnitude of dispersion forces in operation.

Therefore, chloromethane has stronger intermolecular forces than a pure sample of methane has.