Question

Explain which intermolecular force is primarily responsible for the unusually high boiling point of H2OH2O. Compare the strengths of intermolecular forces of attraction present in a sample of liquid water to the strengths of intermolecular forces of attraction present in liquid samples of H2SH2S, H2SeH2Se, and H2TeH2Te. Justify your answer using the information presented in both tables, and complete the statements below.

Answer 1

See explanation

Step-by-step explanation:

Intermolecular forces are forces of attraction that exist between molecules of a substance in a particular state of matter.

The dominant intermolecular force of attraction in H2O is the hydrogen bond. The hydrogen bond exists between molecules of a substance when the substance is made of hydrogen atoms bonded to atoms of a highly electronegative element. Hence, strong hydrogen bonding accounts for the high boiling point of water.

The magnitude of hydrogen bonding between molecules depends on the electro negativity of the atoms to which hydrogen is bonded.

The more the electro negativity of the atoms to which hydrogen is bonded, the greater the magnitude of intermolecular hydrogen bonding.

Since the electro negativity of elements decrease down the group, the strength of intermolecular hydrogen bonding between the molecules decreases as follows;

H2O> H2S> H2Se> H2Te