Question 1

Which of the following best explains why geckos can climb smooth surfaces such as glass?

Accepted Answer

Millions of tiny hairs on their feet maximize intermolecular attractive forces with the surface.

Question 2

Which of the following statements about the three phases of water is correct?

Accepted Answer

The density and molar volume of ice and liquid water are much closer to each other than to steam.

Question 3

Which type of molecular motion is described as the ability to oscillate about a particular point in space?

Accepted Answer

Vibrational freedom

Question 4

According to the kinetic-molecular theory, what two factors primarily determine the state of a material?

Accepted Answer

The amount of kinetic energy and the strength of attractive forces between particles

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the difference in molecular motion between solids, liquids, and gases?

Accepted Answer

Gases have complete freedom of motion, solids are locked in place, and liquids have limited freedom.

Question 6

The average kinetic energy of molecules is directly proportional to which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The temperature of the system

Question 7

Which of the following intermolecular forces is present in all molecules and atoms?

Accepted Answer

Dispersion forces

Question 8

Which of the following molecules would you expect to have the highest boiling point, based on intermolecular forces?

Accepted Answer

n-Propanol (CH3CH2CH2OH)

Question 9

Which of the following statements about hydrogen bonding is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen bonds are stronger than covalent bonds.

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why water is an excellent solvent for ionic compounds?

Accepted Answer

Water forms ion-dipole attractions with ions, stabilizing them in solution.

Question 11

Which of the following factors increases the strength of dispersion forces between molecules?

Accepted Answer

Increasing the volume of the electron cloud

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Surface tension decreases because increased kinetic energy makes it easier to stretch the surface.

Question 13

A liquid rises higher in a narrower tube due to which phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

Capillary action

Question 14

Which of the following statements about vaporization is correct?

Accepted Answer

Vaporization requires input of energy to overcome intermolecular attractions.

Question 15

Which equation correctly relates the average kinetic energy of a particle to temperature?

Accepted Answer

$KE_{avg} = 1.5kT$

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

Ion-dipole forces

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the process of sublimation?

Accepted Answer

A solid turning directly into a gas

Question 18

Which of the following statements about phase diagrams is correct?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

Ice has a lower density than liquid water due to its open hydrogen-bonded structure.

Question 20

Which of the following is true about the boiling point of a liquid?

Accepted Answer

It is the temperature at which the vapor pressure equals the external pressure.

Liquids, Solids, and Intermolecular Forces

Study Guide - Practice Questions