Water, O, and methane, C , have about the same mass and differ by only one type of atom. Why is the boiling point of water so much higher than that of methane?

Question

Water,  O, and methane, C  , have about the same mass and differ by only one type of atom. Why is the boiling point of water so much higher than that of methane?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

- The asymmetrical shape of water results in a stronger dipole moment than methane, which contributes to stronger intermolecular forces and a higher boiling point. 
- The presence of two lone pairs on the oxygen atom in water also contributes to stronger hydrogen bonding between water molecules. 
- Additionally, oxygen is more electronegative than carbon, causing the oxygen in water to have a greater partial negative charge than the carbon in methane, and further strengthening the intermolecular forces in water.

Water, O, and Methane, C , Have About