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Which of the following would remain a liquid longer as temperature continues to drop?

propane
octane
hexane
ethane

2 Answers

5 votes

I just took a test with this question and got the answer wrong for saying ethane. The correct answer is propane.

User Gary Kindel
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Answer:

Octane

Step-by-step explanation:

Hydrocarbons are composed of carbon and hydrogen atoms and are generally non-polar. The only intermolecular force of attraction between hydrocarbons is the weak van der waals interaction. Longer the hydrocarbon chain, stronger will be this interaction.

In the given options:

Propane = C3H8

Octane = C8H18

Hexane = C6H14

Ethane = C2H6

Thus, octane is has the longest chain and will have the strongest van der waal interaction which will allow the molecule to stay in a liquid state longer.

User Vasily Hall
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8.3k points