Properties Of Small Molecules

Question 1

What types of substances usually consist of small molecules?

Answer 1

Gases or liquids with relatively low melting and boiling points.

Question 2

What is responsible for the melting or boiling of substances with small molecules?

Answer 2

Overcoming weak intermolecular forces, not covalent bonds.

Question 3

How do intermolecular forces change with the size of molecules?

Answer 3

They increase, leading to higher melting and boiling points for larger molecules.

Question 4

Why don’t substances with small molecules conduct electricity?

Answer 4

Because the molecules lack an overall electric charge.

Question 5

What skill should students develop related to intermolecular forces and molecular substances?

Answer 5

Using the concept that intermolecular forces are weak compared to covalent bonds to explain the bulk properties of molecular substances.