Question

sodium hydroxide can be produced commercially from the electrolysis of sodium - chloride solutions, as indicated by the following balanced equation. 2nacl(aq)+2h₂o(l)→2naoh(aq)+cl₂(g)+h₂(g) δg° = 400 kj/molrxn. the gases produced from the electrolysis reaction are condensed in order to prevent their escape into the atmosphere. which of the following indicates the gas that condenses at the lowest temperature and gives a particle - level explanation for why? a h₂ because the hydrogen bonding in h₂o(l) is stronger than the dispersion forces in cl₂(l). b h₂ because the dispersion forces in h₂(l) are weaker than the dispersion forces in cl₂(l). c cl₂ because the cl - cl bond in cl₂ is stronger than the h - h bond in h₂. d cl₂ because cl atoms are more electronegative than h atoms.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall intermolecular - force concepts

The gas that condenses at the lowest temperature has the weakest intermolecular forces. $H_2$ is a non - polar molecule with only dispersion forces. $Cl_2$ is also non - polar but has more electrons than $H_2$, so it has stronger dispersion forces.

Step2: Analyze options

Option A is incorrect because $H_2$ has no hydrogen bonding. Option B is correct as $H_2$ has weaker dispersion forces compared to $Cl_2$ due to its smaller molar mass and fewer electrons, so it condenses at a lower temperature. Option C is about bond strength within the molecule, not intermolecular forces for condensation. Option D is about electronegativity differences within the molecule, not related to intermolecular forces for condensation.

Answer:

B. $H_2$ because the dispersion forces in $H_2(g)$ are weaker than the dispersion forces in $Cl_2(g)$