Molecular crystals consist of molecules held together by intermolecular forces. Ice is a good example. In ice, water molecules are held together by ______, and by London dispersion forces. Intermolecular forces are _______ than ionic or covalent bonds. Hence, molecular crystals have _______ melting points.

1.) Van der Waals forces; weaker; low
2.) hydrogen bonds; stronger; high
3.) hydrogen bonds; weaker; low
4.) Van der Waals forces; stronger; high

The correct answer is:

3.) hydrogen bonds; weaker; low

In ice, water molecules are held together by hydrogen bonds and by London dispersion forces. Intermolecular forces, such as hydrogen bonds and Van der Waals forces, are weaker than ionic or covalent bonds. As a result, molecular crystals have low melting points.

The correct answer is:

3.) hydrogen bonds; weaker; low

To arrive at this answer, let's break down each component of the question:

1. In ice, water molecules are held together by ______ and by London dispersion forces.
- The bonding in ice is primarily due to hydrogen bonds, which are formed between the positively charged hydrogen atoms in one water molecule and the negatively charged oxygen atoms in neighboring water molecules. Additionally, London dispersion forces (also known as Van der Waals forces) exist between all molecules, including water molecules.

2. Intermolecular forces are _______ than ionic or covalent bonds.
- Intermolecular forces, such as hydrogen bonds and Van der Waals forces, are weaker than ionic or covalent bonds. Ionic bonds are formed when atoms transfer electrons to create ions that are held together by electrostatic attraction, while covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons between atoms.

3. Hence, molecular crystals have _______ melting points.
- Molecular crystals have low melting points due to the weaker intermolecular forces holding the molecules together. These forces are relatively easy to break, resulting in the molecules being able to move more freely and transition from a solid to a liquid state at lower temperatures.

What have you learned about IM forces?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1ZedR-Um84