Question

molecules of hydrogen chloride (hcl) are shown in diagram x and diagram y. which of the following describes which diagram shows attractive forces, and why? (a) diagram x, because the dashed lines show the attraction between nonmetal atoms that have a similar attraction to electrons. (b) diagram x, because the dashed lines show that the positive end of one molecule is attracted to the negative end of an adjacent molecule. (c) diagram y, because the dashed lines show the attraction between nonmetal atoms that have a similar attraction to electrons. (d) diagram y, because the dashed lines show that the positive end of one molecule is attracted to the negative end of an adjacent molecule.

Explanation:

Hydrogen bonding is a type of intermolecular force. In Diagram Y, the dashed lines represent hydrogen bonding. Hydrogen bonding occurs between the positive end of one molecule (due to the hydrogen atom in a polar - covalent bond like in HCl) and the negative end of an adjacent molecule (usually due to a highly electronegative atom like Cl in HCl). Diagram X shows a different type of intermolecular force (not hydrogen bonding as described in the options).

Answer:

D. Diagram Y, because the dashed lines show that the positive end of one molecule is attracted to the negative end of an adjacent molecule.