Question detail
What effect do intermolecular forces have on the volatility of a substance?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Bonding
Question
- A. Stronger intermolecular forces increase volatility.
- B. Weaker intermolecular forces increase volatility.
- C. Intermolecular forces do not affect volatility.
- D. All substances have the same volatility regardless of intermolecular forces.
Answer
Weaker intermolecular forces increase volatility.
Explanation
Volatility is the tendency of a substance to vaporize. Weaker intermolecular forces allow molecules to escape into the gas phase more easily, resulting in higher volatility.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Intermolecular Forces
Students often confuse the strength of intermolecular forces with the boiling point of a substance, thinking that all substances with high boiling points have strong intermolecular forces without considering molecular size and shape.
To accurately explain boiling point trends, remember that stronger intermolecular forces lead to higher boiling points, but also consider how molecular size and surface area affect these forces. For example, larger molecules have more surface area for London dispersion forces, which can increase boiling points despite weaker individual interactions.
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