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Multiple Choice
Which of the following compounds will have the highest boiling point?
A
CO_2
B
H_2O
C
O_2
D
CH_4
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Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the types of intermolecular forces present in each compound: CO_2, H_2O, O_2, and CH_4. Remember that boiling point is largely influenced by the strength of these forces.
For CO_2 and O_2, recognize that these are nonpolar molecules, so their intermolecular forces are primarily London dispersion forces, which are relatively weak.
For CH_4, also a nonpolar molecule, the intermolecular forces are London dispersion forces, but consider the molecular size and shape compared to CO_2 and O_2.
For H_2O, note that it is a polar molecule capable of hydrogen bonding, which is a much stronger intermolecular force than dispersion forces.
Conclude that the compound with hydrogen bonding (H_2O) will have the highest boiling point because stronger intermolecular forces require more energy (higher temperature) to overcome during the phase change from liquid to gas.