Compounds and Molecules - AP Chemistry

Card 1 of 1964

0
Didn't Know
Knew It
0
1 of 2019 left
Question

A pure sample of an unknown substance is subjected to a series of tests to determine its identity. It is found to have a significantly higher boiling point than a sample of another substance that is approximately the same molecular weight and has a very similar atomic composition.

Which of the following would best account for this difference?

Tap to reveal answer

Answer

Differences in the physcal properties of substances is often due to differences in molecular structure. Intermolecular forces can have profound effects on physical properties such as boiling point. Substances with the same molecular formula can actually behave quite differently based on how the atoms in these substances are connected. Hydrogen bonding is a strong intermolecular force that often leads to higher boiling points in substances that can hydrogen bond when compared to substances of similar molecular weights that cannot hydrogen bond with one another. Thus the presence of hydrogen bonding in the unknown substance is the best answer.

← Didn't Know|Knew It →