The boiling point of water is 264°C higher than the boiling point of methane because
A)the molecular mass of methane is much lower than that of water.
B)methane molecules tend to avoid contact with each other.
C)water molecules are connected to each other by H-bonds.
D)methane molecules do not undergo London dispersion forces.
E)all of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The boiling point is dependent on the strength of intermolecular forces between molecules. Water molecules are connected to each other by strong hydrogen bonds, while methane molecules do not form H-bonds. This means that water molecules require more energy to break apart and reach boiling point compared to methane molecules. Thus, the boiling point of water is higher than that of methane. Choice A, B, and D may have some impact on boiling points but are not the determining factor in this case.

The Boiling Point of Water Is 264°C Higher Than the Boiling