With the exception of helium, the noble gases condense to form solids when they are cooled sufficiently. At temperatures below 83 K, argon forms a close-packed solid whose structure is shown below. (c) Based on this comparison would you say that the atoms are held together by chemical bonds in solid argon?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the type of bonding typically found in noble gases, particularly in their solid forms. Noble gases are known for having complete outer electron shells, which makes them chemically inert and unlikely to form chemical bonds.
2. Understand the concept of van der Waals forces, which are weak intermolecular forces that can occur between atoms or molecules. These forces are significant in noble gases when they are in solid form.
3. Analyze the structure of solid argon as described, noting that it forms a close-packed structure. This arrangement maximizes the efficiency of space usage and is typical for substances held together by weak forces rather than strong chemical bonds.
4. Consider the nature of the interactions in solid argon. Since argon atoms are neutral and possess complete electron shells, the forces holding them in a solid structure are likely van der Waals forces rather than covalent or ionic bonds.
5. Conclude whether the atoms in solid argon are held together by chemical bonds. Given the inert nature of argon and the characteristics of its solid structure, it is more likely that the atoms are held together by physical, not chemical, interactions.

Key Concepts

Noble Gases

Noble gases are a group of elements in Group 18 of the periodic table, characterized by their lack of reactivity due to having a full valence shell of electrons. This stability means they do not readily form chemical bonds with other elements. However, under extreme conditions, such as low temperatures, noble gases like argon can condense into solids, where their atoms are held together by weaker intermolecular forces rather than strong chemical bonds.

Intermolecular Forces

Intermolecular forces are the forces of attraction or repulsion between molecules. In the case of solid argon, the atoms are held together primarily by van der Waals forces, which are weak compared to covalent or ionic bonds. These forces arise due to temporary dipoles that occur when electron distributions around atoms fluctuate, allowing noble gases to form solid structures without forming traditional chemical bonds.

Close-Packed Structure

A close-packed structure refers to a highly efficient arrangement of atoms in a solid, maximizing the number of nearest neighbors and minimizing empty space. In solid argon, this arrangement allows the atoms to be closely packed together, which is essential for the stability of the solid phase. However, despite this close packing, the lack of strong chemical bonds means that the solid is held together by weaker intermolecular forces.