2
QuizMultiple Choice

Intermolecular Forces — Quiz

Question 2 • Chemistry

Which statement best explains why water has a higher boiling point than ethane?

Answer
A
Ethane molecules are smaller than water and can move faster.
B
Water molecules form hydrogen bonds, which cannot be broken by heating water.
C
Ethane molecules have no hydrogen bonds and need less energy to separate.
D
Water molecules need relatively less heat energy to move.

Explanation

Water molecules attract one another strongly through hydrogen bonds, so separating them into a gas requires substantial energy. Ethane molecules do not form hydrogen bonds and are held together mainly by weaker attractions, so less energy is needed to separate them. Thus, ethane has a lower boiling point, making C the best explanation.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

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