When argon is placed in a container of neon, the argon spontaneously disperses throughout the neon because .
A) of solvent- solute interactions
B) the dispersion of argon atoms produces an increase in disorder
C) of hydrogen bonding
D) of the large attractive forces between argon and neon atoms
E) a decrease in energy occurs when the two mix

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The dispersion of argon atoms throughout the neon produces an increase in disorder, or entropy, which is favored in thermodynamics. There are no strong solvent-solute interactions or hydrogen bonding between the two noble gases. The attractive forces between argon and neon are not large enough to prevent mixing. There may be a small decrease in energy upon mixing, but this is not the driving force for the spontaneous mixing.

When Argon Is Placed in a Container of Neon, the Argon