Question

The molecules of a fatty acid ( for example ......) fit closer together than the molecules of a ......... fatty acid( for example .........). Therefore when comparing the two , there are ......... attractions between saturated fatty acid molecules , which require ....... energy to break them apart and form liquid. Thus saturated fatty acid molecules have .......... melting points.

Answer 1

Saturated fatty acids, like stearic acid, have straight chains that allow for tight packing and strong intermolecular forces, resulting in higher melting points. Unsaturated fatty acids, such as oleic acid, have bends in their chains due to double bonds, causing looser packing, weaker forces, and lower melting points.

Step-by-step explanation:

The molecules of a saturated fatty acid (for example, stearic acid) fit closer together than the molecules of an unsaturated fatty acid (for example, oleic acid). Therefore, when comparing the two, there are stronger attractions between saturated fatty acid molecules, which require more energy to break them apart and form liquid. Thus saturated fatty acid molecules have higher melting points.

Saturated fatty acids, having only single bonds between carbon atoms, pack closely together in a tight alignment. The straight chains allow them to stack efficiently, resulting in stronger intermolecular dispersion forces. In contrast, unsaturated fatty acids feature one or more double bonds that introduce bends or "kinks" that prevent tight packing and lead to weaker intermolecular forces and lower melting points.