Final answer:
Naphthalene has a higher melting point than stearic acid due to the difference in their intermolecular forces. Naphthalene is a nonpolar compound held together by weak London dispersion forces, whereas stearic acid is a polar compound with stronger hydrogen bonding.
Step-by-step explanation:
Naphthalene has a higher melting point than stearic acid due to the difference in their intermolecular forces. Naphthalene is a nonpolar compound held together by London dispersion forces, which are relatively weak intermolecular forces. On the other hand, stearic acid is a polar compound with hydrogen bonding between its molecules, which are stronger intermolecular forces. Stronger intermolecular forces result in higher melting points.