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Motor oil consists primarily of nonpolar molecules. Compare motor oil and water. What is the predominant intermolecular force in each substance? Why is the viscosity of motor oil greater than that for water?

Motor oil consists primarily of nonpolar molecules. Compare motor oil and water. What is the predominant intermolecular force in each substance? Why is the viscosity of motor oil greater than that for water?

Chemistry
Chemistry
10th Edition
ISBN:9781305957404
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Chapter1: Chemical Foundations
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RQ: Define and explain the differences between the following terms. a. law and theory b. theory and...
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**Question 1:** Motor oil consists primarily of nonpolar molecules. Compare motor oil and water. What is the predominant intermolecular force in each substance? Why is the viscosity of motor oil greater than that for water? **Answer:** Motor oil and water have different predominant intermolecular forces and physical characteristics: - **Motor Oil:** - **Predominant Intermolecular Force:** The predominant intermolecular forces in motor oil are London dispersion forces (also known as van der Waals forces). These forces are weak intermolecular attractions that occur between nonpolar molecules. - **Water:** - **Predominant Intermolecular Force:** Water molecules are held together primarily by hydrogen bonds, which are strong intermolecular forces occurring between polar molecules where hydrogen is bonded to a highly electronegative atom like oxygen. **Viscosity Comparison:** The viscosity of a liquid is largely determined by the strength and type of intermolecular forces present. Motor oil has greater viscosity than water primarily due to its large and relatively complex nonpolar molecules that interact through London dispersion forces. These forces, while individually weak compared to hydrogen bonds, add up significantly due to the larger size and greater number of interacting points in motor oil molecules, resulting in a more viscous liquid. In contrast, despite the strong hydrogen bonding in water, its small molecular size and the dynamic nature of hydrogen bond formations and breakages result in lower overall viscosity. Therefore, motor oil is thicker and flows more slowly than water due to these extensive dispersion forces acting over larger molecular surfaces.
Transcribed Image Text:**Question 1:** Motor oil consists primarily of nonpolar molecules. Compare motor oil and water. What is the predominant intermolecular force in each substance? Why is the viscosity of motor oil greater than that for water? **Answer:** Motor oil and water have different predominant intermolecular forces and physical characteristics: - **Motor Oil:** - **Predominant Intermolecular Force:** The predominant intermolecular forces in motor oil are London dispersion forces (also known as van der Waals forces). These forces are weak intermolecular attractions that occur between nonpolar molecules. - **Water:** - **Predominant Intermolecular Force:** Water molecules are held together primarily by hydrogen bonds, which are strong intermolecular forces occurring between polar molecules where hydrogen is bonded to a highly electronegative atom like oxygen. **Viscosity Comparison:** The viscosity of a liquid is largely determined by the strength and type of intermolecular forces present. Motor oil has greater viscosity than water primarily due to its large and relatively complex nonpolar molecules that interact through London dispersion forces. These forces, while individually weak compared to hydrogen bonds, add up significantly due to the larger size and greater number of interacting points in motor oil molecules, resulting in a more viscous liquid. In contrast, despite the strong hydrogen bonding in water, its small molecular size and the dynamic nature of hydrogen bond formations and breakages result in lower overall viscosity. Therefore, motor oil is thicker and flows more slowly than water due to these extensive dispersion forces acting over larger molecular surfaces.
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