HBr, HCl, HF and HI - which one has the strongest dispersion forces Please explain.

Question

HBr, HCl, HF and HI - which one has the strongest dispersion forces Please explain.

Answer 1

its more to do with the electron cloud size. in this way, the strongest dispersion forces will be HI, due to its larger electron cloud, which makes it more easily polarized, hence it has a stronger temporary dipole-induced dipole interaction, which is equals to stronger dispersion forces. HF doesnt even apply here as although it has a higher boiling point, it is held together through H-bonding, which is not dispersion forces