OCR A-Level Chemistry AS Breadth in chemistry (01), June 2018: Question 10

1 mark · Medium difficulty · Multiple Choice

Identify which element has induced dipole-dipole interactions (London forces) in its solid lattice among boron, magnesium, silicon, and sulfur.

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Question

Multiple choice question 10 asking which element has induced dipole-dipole interactions (London forces) in its solid lattice, with options A boron, B magnesium, C silicon, and D sulfur, and an answer box on the bottom left.
Question text

10 Which element has induced dipole–dipole interactions (London forces) in its solid lattice?

A boron

B magnesium

C silicon

D sulfur

Your answer [1]

Mark scheme

Show the mark scheme Mark scheme indicating question 10 answer is D, worth 1 mark.

10 D 1

How to answer it

Types of Lattices and Intermolecular Forces

OCR AS Level Chemistry — Multiple Choice Question

What this question tests

This question assesses your understanding of solid lattice structures across the Periodic Table and the types of attractive forces holding them together. You must be able to link an element's position and bonding type (metallic, giant covalent, or simple molecular) to the specific intermolecular or interatomic forces present in its solid state.

Question Breakdown

Question 10

Which element has induced dipole–dipole interactions (London forces) in its solid lattice?

✅ Correct Answer: D (sulfur)

Sulfur exists as simple covalent molecules (specifically S₈ rings) in its solid lattice. Simple molecular lattices are held together by weak induced dipole–dipole interactions (London forces) acting between the molecules.

💡 Key Knowledge

  • Boron (A): Giant covalent lattice (covalent bonds throughout).
  • Magnesium (B): Giant metallic lattice (metallic bonding: positive ions in a sea of delocalised electrons).
  • Silicon (C): Giant covalent lattice (macromolecular, similar to diamond).
  • Sulfur (D): Simple molecular lattice ( S₈ molecules held by London forces).

🧠 Exam Technique

For multiple-choice questions involving lattice types, rapidly categorise each option into its bonding type: Metallic, Giant Covalent, or Simple Molecular . Once you spot the simple molecular substance, you immediately know it features London forces.

❌ Common Errors

Students frequently confuse the type of bonding within a molecule or macromolecule with the forces acting between molecules in a solid lattice. For example, some incorrectly assume giant structures like silicon or boron rely on intermolecular forces.

Mark Allocation: [1 mark] awarded for selecting option D.

Topics

Module 2: Foundations in chemistry · Module 3: Periodic table and energy · 2.2 Electrons, bonding and structure · 3.1 The periodic table

Question and mark scheme from the OCR A-Level Chemistry examination, AS Breadth in chemistry (01), June 2018. QuestionVault is an independent revision resource; questions remain the copyright of the awarding body.