Iodine molecules are held in the solid lattice by ______

Options

A. London forces
B. dipole-dipole interactions
C. covalent bonds
D. coulombic force

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Identify the Nature of Iodine Molecules:**
- Iodine (I2) is a diatomic molecule consisting of two iodine atoms bonded together by a covalent bond. The I2 molecule is non-polar due to the equal sharing of electrons between the two identical iodine atoms.

2. **Understand the Context of the Question:**
- The question asks how iodine molecules are held together in a solid lattice. This refers to the interactions between different I2 molecules in the solid state, not the covalent bond within a single I2 molecule.

3. **Evaluate the Options:**
- **A. London forces:** These are weak intermolecular forces that occur between non-polar molecules due to temporary dipoles. Since I2 is non-polar, this is a likely candidate.
- **B. Dipole-dipole interactions:** These occur between polar molecules. Since I2 is non-polar, this option is not applicable.
- **C. Covalent bonds:** These are strong bonds that hold atoms together within a molecule, not between different molecules in a solid lattice.
- **D. Coulombic forces:** These forces act between charged particles. Since I2 is neutral, this option is also not applicable.

4. **Conclusion:**
- Since I2 molecules are non-polar and interact with each other through weak intermolecular forces, the correct answer is that iodine molecules are held in the solid lattice by **London forces**.

**Final Answer:**
Iodine molecules are held in the solid lattice by **London forces**.

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