Question 1

According to the kinetic molecular theory, what determines whether a substance is a solid, liquid, or gas at a given temperature?

Accepted Answer

The balance between the kinetic energy of the particles and the strength of intermolecular forces.

Question 2

Which of the following statements best describes the difference between intramolecular and intermolecular forces?

Accepted Answer

Intramolecular forces are the bonds within a molecule, while intermolecular forces are the attractions between molecules.

Question 3

Which type of intermolecular force is present in all substances, regardless of their polarity?

Accepted Answer

Dispersion (London) forces

Question 4

Why do substances like H$_2$O, HF, and NH$_3$ have abnormally high boiling points compared to other molecules of similar molecular weight?

Accepted Answer

They form hydrogen bonds, which are a special and strong type of dipole-dipole interaction.

Question 5

A gecko can climb smooth surfaces due to intermolecular forces. Which specific force is primarily responsible for this ability?

Accepted Answer

Dispersion (London) forces

Question 6

Which of the following substances would you expect to have the highest boiling point: Ne, HF, or N$_2$? Explain your reasoning.

Accepted Answer

HF, because it exhibits hydrogen bonding.

Question 7

Which equation describes the relationship between the vapor pressure of a liquid and its temperature?

Accepted Answer

$\ln(P_2/P_1) = -\frac{\Delta H_{vap}}{R} \left( \frac{1}{T_2} - \frac{1}{T_1} \right)$

Question 8

During the phase change from liquid to gas, what happens to the temperature of the substance?

Accepted Answer

It remains constant until the phase change is complete.

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why steam burns are more dangerous than burns from boiling water?

Accepted Answer

Condensation of steam releases additional heat energy to the skin.

Question 10

A sample of ethanol is heated from 25°C to 78.5°C, then vaporized. Which formula would you use to calculate the total heat required for this process?

Accepted Answer

$q = mC_{liquid}\Delta T + n\Delta H_{vap}$

Question 11

Which of the following statements about phase diagrams is correct?

Accepted Answer

The critical point is the highest temperature and pressure at which a substance can exist as a liquid.

Question 12

Which intermolecular force is most important in determining the solubility of ionic compounds in water?

Accepted Answer

Ion-dipole forces

Question 13

If a liquid has a high vapor pressure at room temperature, what can you infer about its intermolecular forces?

Accepted Answer

They are weak.

Question 14

Which of the following phase changes is exothermic?

Accepted Answer

Condensation

Question 15

Which property increases as the strength of intermolecular forces increases?

Accepted Answer

Boiling point

Question 16

A substance at its triple point will have which phases in equilibrium?

Accepted Answer

Solid, liquid, and gas

Question 17

Which of the following molecules would have the strongest dispersion forces?

Accepted Answer

Argon (Ar)

Question 18

Which of the following is true about the heating curve of water?

Accepted Answer

Temperature remains constant during phase changes.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the process of sublimation?

Accepted Answer

Conversion of a solid directly to a gas without passing through the liquid phase.

Question 20

Which of the following would increase the rate of vaporization of a liquid?

Accepted Answer

Increasing the surface area.

Liquids, Solids, and Intermolecular Forces (Chapter 11) – Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions