Question detail
What type of forces are overcome when small molecular substances melt or boil?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
How bonding and structure are related to the properties of substances
Question
- A. Covalent bonds
- B. Ionic bonds
- C. Weak intermolecular forces
- D. Metallic bonds
Answer
Weak intermolecular forces
Explanation
Weak intermolecular forces are the forces that need to be overcome for small molecular substances to change state from solid to liquid or liquid to gas.
Common mistake
Confusing Intermolecular Forces with Covalent Bonds
Students often state that covalent bonds are broken when small molecular substances melt or boil.
Students should clarify that it is the weak intermolecular forces that are overcome during melting or boiling, not the covalent bonds within the molecules.
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