Which factor is most responsible for the increase in boiling points of noble gases from He to Xe? — p Block Elements Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Step 1: Noble gases are monoatomic and are held together only by weak London dispersion forces (van der Waals forces) in liquid state. Step 2: The strength of London dispersion forces is directly proportional to the polarizability of the atom's electron cloud. As atomic size increases from He to Xe, the valence electrons are further from the nucleus and are more easily polarized. Step 3: Therefore, the increase in polarizability down the group leads to stronger dispersion forces and higher boiling points, matching option (d).