The temperature at which a solid melts is the melting point of the solid.The melting point is an indication of the intermolecular forces that hold a solid together.Aluminum melts at 660°C.Gold melts at 1064°C.Lead melts at 328°C.Which one of the following ranks the intermolecular forces in these solid elements from the strongest to the weakest?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The intermolecular forces in a solid depend on the types of atoms or molecules present, their shapes and sizes, and how the particles are arranged. Generally, metals have strong metallic bonds, which are formed by delocalized electrons that hold positively charged metal ions together in a lattice. The melting point of a metal is related to the strength of these metallic bonds.

Among the given elements, gold has the highest melting point, indicating the strongest metallic bonding. Aluminum has an intermediate melting point, while lead has the lowest melting point, suggesting the weakest metallic bonding. Therefore, the correct order of intermolecular forces, from strongest to weakest, is Au > Al > Pb. Choice A is the only option that lists the elements in this order.

The Temperature at Which a Solid Melts Is the Melting