Which intermolecular force is most responsible in allowing xenon gas to liquefy ?

Options

A. London forces
B. lon - dipole
C. Ionic
D. Dipole - dipole

Answer

To determine which intermolecular force is most responsible for the liquefaction of xenon gas, we can analyze the properties of xenon and the types of intermolecular forces present.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Nature of Xenon**:
- Xenon (Xe) is a noble gas and is nonpolar in nature. It consists of individual atoms rather than molecules.

**Hint**: Remember that noble gases have complete outer electron shells, making them stable and nonpolar.

2. **Understand Intermolecular Forces**:
- The main types of intermolecular forces include:
- Ion-dipole forces
- Dipole-dipole forces
- Hydrogen bonding
- London dispersion forces (also known as van der Waals forces)

**Hint**: Recall that different types of intermolecular forces arise from different molecular characteristics, such as polarity and the presence of ions.

3. **Eliminate Irrelevant Forces**:
- Since xenon is a nonpolar atom, ion-dipole and dipole-dipole forces cannot be present. Hydrogen bonding is also not applicable as it requires a hydrogen atom bonded to a highly electronegative atom.

**Hint**: Focus on the characteristics of xenon to rule out forces that require polarity or specific bonding.

4. **Identify the Relevant Force**:
- The only relevant intermolecular force for nonpolar atoms like xenon is the London dispersion force. These forces arise due to temporary dipoles that occur when electron distributions around atoms fluctuate.

**Hint**: Consider how temporary fluctuations in electron density can lead to attractions between nonpolar atoms.

5. **Explain the Role of London Forces in Liquefaction**:
- The London dispersion forces increase with the size of the atom and the number of electrons. For xenon, the larger atomic size and electron cloud allow for stronger London forces, which contribute to the liquefaction of xenon gas under appropriate conditions (like low temperature and high pressure).

**Hint**: Remember that larger atoms have more electrons, leading to stronger dispersion forces, which can facilitate the transition from gas to liquid.

### Final Answer:
The intermolecular force most responsible for allowing xenon gas to liquefy is the **London dispersion forces**.