Deep within an automated atmospheric refinery skimming the outer reaches of a gas giant, cryogenic condensers isolate liquefied argon and xenon under identical low-pressure conditions. Monitoring systems register that liquid xenon boils at a markedly higher temperature than liquid argon, requiring unexpected heating adjustments during separation. The automated control unit must verify the molecular origin of this observation before initiating the next purification cycle. Which statement correctly explains why xenon exhibits a higher boiling point than argon?

A) Argon experiences stronger permanent dipole attractions because its tightly held core electrons prevent external charge dispersion.

B) Xenon has a more compact electron cloud, which concentrates nuclear charges and increases repulsive kinetic forces between adjacent atoms.

C) Xenon possesses a larger and more polarizable electron cloud, resulting in stronger induced dipoles and greater London dispersion forces.

D) Argon forms transient hydrogen bonds in the liquid state due to its lower molar mass and higher atomic collision frequencies.

London dispersion forces Original Scenario-Based Practice

Chemistry · States of Matter & Solutions · Chemistry · Intermolecular Forces

1 Chemistry practice questions on London dispersion forces. Questions built around original scenarios.

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