Match the following physical and chemical properties with potassium chloride, KCl, used in salt substitutes, or butane, C₄H₁₀ used in lighters:
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a. melts at -138°C

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Identify the substances involved: potassium chloride (KCl) is an ionic compound, and butane (C₄H₁₀) is a molecular (covalent) compound.

Recall that ionic compounds like KCl generally have high melting points due to strong ionic bonds, while molecular compounds like butane have lower melting points because of weaker intermolecular forces.

Compare the given melting point (-138°C) to typical melting points of ionic and molecular compounds: a melting point this low is characteristic of molecular compounds like butane, not ionic compounds like KCl.

Conclude that the property 'melts at -138°C' corresponds to butane (C₄H₁₀) because it is consistent with the low melting point of molecular substances.

For completeness, remember that KCl would have a much higher melting point, typically above 700°C, due to its ionic lattice structure.

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Physical Properties of Substances

Physical properties describe characteristics of a substance that can be observed or measured without changing its chemical identity, such as melting point, boiling point, and state of matter. Understanding these helps differentiate substances like KCl and butane based on their behavior under temperature changes.

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02:54

Physical Properties Concept

Chemical Properties and Composition

Chemical properties relate to a substance's ability to undergo chemical changes and reactions, determined by its molecular or ionic structure. KCl is an ionic compound with high melting point, while butane is a covalent hydrocarbon with lower melting point, reflecting their distinct chemical nature.

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Chemical Properties Concept

Ionic vs. Covalent Compounds

Ionic compounds like KCl consist of charged ions held by strong electrostatic forces, resulting in high melting points and solid crystalline structures. Covalent compounds like butane have molecules held by weaker intermolecular forces, leading to lower melting points and gaseous or liquid states at room temperature.

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