Question 1

Which of the following best explains why ice floats on water?

Accepted Answer

Ice has a lower density than liquid water because its molecules are arranged in an open hexagonal structure due to hydrogen bonding.

Question 2

Which of the following substances exhibits only dispersion forces as its primary intermolecular force?

Accepted Answer

Cl₂

Question 3

Which of the following statements about intermolecular forces is correct?

Accepted Answer

Ion–dipole forces are the strongest among all intermolecular forces.

Question 4

Which of the following molecules will have the highest boiling point, and why?

Accepted Answer

NH₃, because it can form hydrogen bonds.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes why n-pentane has a higher boiling point than neopentane, even though they have the same molar mass?

Accepted Answer

n-Pentane has more surface-to-surface contact, leading to stronger dispersion forces.

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why water has a much higher boiling point than expected for its molar mass?

Accepted Answer

Water molecules form extensive hydrogen bonds due to their geometry and the presence of O–H bonds.

Question 7

A student spills nail polish remover (acetone, a volatile liquid) on a table. Which property of acetone explains why it evaporates quickly at room temperature?

Accepted Answer

It has weak intermolecular forces, resulting in a high vapor pressure.

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the process of capillary action?

Accepted Answer

It is caused by the balance between adhesive forces (liquid–tube) and cohesive forces (liquid–liquid).

Question 9

Which of the following statements about vapor pressure is correct?

Accepted Answer

Vapor pressure is the pressure exerted by a vapor in equilibrium with its liquid in a closed container.

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why oil does not dissolve in water?

Accepted Answer

Oil is nonpolar and cannot form dipole–dipole or hydrogen bonds with water.

Question 11

Which of the following is true about the phase diagram of water?

Accepted Answer

Beyond the critical point, water exists as a supercritical fluid with properties of both a liquid and a gas.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the relationship between viscosity and intermolecular forces?

Accepted Answer

Viscosity increases with stronger intermolecular forces and higher molar mass.

Question 13

Which of the following is the strongest intermolecular force present in a mixture of NaCl and water?

Accepted Answer

Ion–dipole force

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why formaldehyde (CH₂O) has a higher boiling point than ethane (C₂H₆)?

Accepted Answer

Formaldehyde has dipole–dipole interactions, while ethane only has dispersion forces.

Question 15

A sample of water is heated from –10 °C to 120 °C at 1 atm. Which segment of the heating curve corresponds to the phase change from liquid to gas?

Accepted Answer

Segment 4

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the effect of increasing temperature on surface tension?

Accepted Answer

Surface tension decreases as temperature increases due to greater molecular motion.

Question 17

Which of the following is a real-life application of hydrogen bonding?

Accepted Answer

The high specific heat and surface tension of water

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why ethanol (C₂H₅OH) is soluble in water?

Accepted Answer

Ethanol contains a hydrophilic –OH group that forms hydrogen bonds with water.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the process of sublimation?

Accepted Answer

A solid changes directly to a gas without passing through the liquid phase.

Question 20

Which of the following factors will increase the rate of vaporization of a liquid?

Accepted Answer

Decreasing the strength of intermolecular forces

Liquids, Solids, and Intermolecular Forces: Chapter 12 Study Guide

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