Question detail
What happens to the intermolecular forces when a small molecular substance is heated to its boiling point?
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 are broken.
- B. Intermolecular forces are strengthened.
- C. Intermolecular forces are overcome.
- D. The substance changes to a solid.
Answer
The correct option is Intermolecular forces are overcome.. This answer is correct because it matches the approved learning objective to use weak intermolecular forces compared with covalent bonds to explain bulk properties of molecular substances in the subtopic Properties of small molecules.
Explanation
The correct option is Intermolecular forces are overcome.. Intermolecular forces are overcome. is correct because it directly supports the approved learning objective to use weak intermolecular forces compared with covalent bonds to explain bulk properties of molecular substances. This belongs to the subtopic Properties of small molecules within How bonding and structure are related to the properties of substances, so the explanation must stay tied to that curriculum context. The other options are incorrect because they either do not answer this learning objective, use a vague statement, or move away from Properties of small molecules.
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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