Chapter 19, Problem 1RAT

Why does the melting point of hydrocarbons increase as the number of carbon atoms per molecule increases?

1. (a) An increase in the number of carbon atoms per molecule also means an increase in the density of the hydrocarbon.
2. (b) The induced dipole-induced dipole molecular attractions are stronger.
3. (c) Larger hydrocarbon chains tend to be branched.
4. (d) The molecular mass also increases.