Chapter 10, Problem 10.57QP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Physical state of the compounds has to be given.

Concept Introduction:

Physical state of the compound is determined by the intermolecular forces that are present between the molecules.  The force of attraction between two molecules that experience a short-lived dipole is known as London Dispersion force.  Large molecules will have large number of electrons.  These electrons when in constant motion develop a temporary dipole.  The formed temporary dipole interacts with other temporary dipoles resulting in an attractive force between the molecules.  Molecules with a very high molar mass have large number of electrons.  This result in having stronger force of attraction and due to this the melting point and boiling point of the molecule will be higher.

Example:  Alkanes that contain one to four carbon atoms are gases, five to seventeen carbon atoms are colorless liquids and more than seventeen carbon atoms are waxy solids.