Multiple Choice
Which of the following best explains how the molecular structure of a material influences its physical properties?
18
views
13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces
Intermolecular Forces and Physical Properties
Struggling with General Chemistry?
Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
Which of the following molecules would be expected to have the lowest boiling point?
A
H2O
B
HF
C
NH3
D
CH4
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand that boiling point is influenced by the strength of intermolecular forces present in the substance. Stronger intermolecular forces generally lead to higher boiling points.
Step 2: Identify the types of intermolecular forces in each molecule: H2O, HF, and NH3 all exhibit hydrogen bonding, which is a strong type of dipole-dipole interaction. CH4, on the other hand, is nonpolar and only exhibits weak London dispersion forces.
Step 3: Recognize that hydrogen bonding significantly increases boiling points because it requires more energy to break these interactions during the phase change from liquid to gas.
Step 4: Compare the molecules: H2O, HF, and NH3 have hydrogen bonding and thus higher boiling points, while CH4 lacks hydrogen bonding and has only weak dispersion forces, resulting in a much lower boiling point.
Step 5: Conclude that CH4 would be expected to have the lowest boiling point among the given molecules due to its weak intermolecular forces.
3:13mWatch next
Master Intermolecular Forces and Properties with a bite sized video explanation from Jules
Start learningRelated Videos
Related Practice
Intermolecular Forces and Physical Properties practice set
Problem sets built by lead tutorsExpert video explanations