Grade 12 Chemistry
Which of the following would indicate the strongest intermolecular forces in a solid?
Question 30 options:
a) a low melting point
b) a high melting point
c) low electrical resistance
d) high electrical resistance
d) answers b & d are correct
The correct answer is b) a high melting point.
Intermolecular forces are the forces of attraction between molecules. The stronger the intermolecular forces, the higher the melting point of a substance. This is because stronger forces require more energy to overcome, leading to a higher temperature needed to break the intermolecular bonds and transition from a solid to a liquid state.
Option d) high electrical resistance is not directly related to the strength of intermolecular forces. Electrical resistance is a measure of how much a material resists the flow of electric current. It is determined by factors such as the nature and arrangement of atoms or ions in a substance, as well as the presence of free electrons or ions. While strong intermolecular forces can affect electrical conductivity, it is not a definitive indicator of the strength of intermolecular forces in a solid.
To determine which option indicates the strongest intermolecular forces in a solid, we need to understand the relationship between intermolecular forces and the physical properties of solids, such as melting point and electrical resistance.
Intermolecular forces are the forces of attraction between molecules. These forces determine the physical properties of substances, including the strength and type of bond that holds the solid together.
In general, stronger intermolecular forces result in higher melting points. This is because stronger forces require more energy to overcome and break apart the solid structure, transitioning it from a solid to a liquid state. So, a high melting point would suggest stronger intermolecular forces.
On the other hand, electrical resistance is related to the ability of a material to conduct electricity. In solids, electrical resistance is usually low or high, depending on the presence or absence of freely-moving charge carriers (i.e., electrons or ions). Substances with strong intermolecular forces tend to have low electrical resistance because the forces hold the particles (molecules or ions) tightly together, preventing the movement of charge.
Based on these explanations, we can conclude that option b) a high melting point indicates stronger intermolecular forces in a solid. Additionally, option d) high electrical resistance can also be correct since strong intermolecular forces tend to result in low electrical resistance.
Therefore, the correct answer is b) a high melting point and d) high electrical resistance.