Question

Which substance has the higher boiling point? Why? H₂ or Ne.

A) H₂; it has stronger intermolecular forces
B) Ne; it has a larger molecular weight
C) H₂; it has a smaller molecular weight
D) Ne; it has weaker intermolecular forces

Answer 1

Neon (Ne) has a higher boiling point than hydrogen (H₂) because of its larger molecular weight, which leads to stronger London dispersion forces compared to the weak dispersion forces in hydrogen.

Step-by-step explanation:

The substance with the higher boiling point between H₂ and Ne is Neon (Ne) due to it having a larger molecular weight. The intermolecular forces in hydrogen (H₂) are primarily weak London dispersion forces because H₂ is a non-polar molecule with no permanent dipole. These dispersion forces increase with molecular weight; hence, substances with larger molecular weights tend to have higher boiling points. Neon (Ne), being a noble gas with a larger atomic mass than that of hydrogen, has stronger dispersion forces, leading to a higher boiling point as compared to hydrogen. Therefore, the correct answer is B) Ne; it has a larger molecular weight.