Question detail
What is the effect of increasing chain length on the viscosity of hydrocarbons?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Alkanes
Question
- A. Viscosity decreases with increasing chain length.
- B. Viscosity increases with increasing chain length.
- C. Viscosity remains constant regardless of chain length.
- D. Viscosity is unrelated to chain length.
Answer
Viscosity increases with increasing chain length.
Explanation
As the chain length of hydrocarbons increases, the intermolecular forces become stronger, leading to an increase in viscosity. Longer chains can entangle more easily, making the liquid thicker.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Fraction Properties
Students often confuse the relationship between chain length and boiling point, thinking that longer chains always have lower boiling points.
To clarify, remember that as chain length increases, the boiling point generally increases due to stronger van der Waals forces. For example, consider the formula for boiling point trends: longer chains lead to increased surface area, which enhances intermolecular forces. Thus, longer alkanes have higher boiling points. Always relate this to the strength of intermolecular forces.
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