Question

The melting point of H₂O(s) is 0 °C. Would you expect the melting point of H₂S(s) to be 85 °C, 0 °C or -85 °C.? Justify your choice

Answer 1

-85 °C

Step-by-step explanation:

O and S are in the same group( Group 16). Since S is below O it's atomic mass is higher than O. So molar mass of H2S is higher than H2O. The strength of Vanderwaal Interactions ( London dispersion forces) increases when the molar mass increases. However, only H2O can form H bonds with each other. This is because electronegativity of O is higher than S and therefore H in H2O has a higher partial positive charge than H of H2S.

H bond dominate among these 2 types of forces so the strength of attractions between molecules is higher in H2O than H2S. Therefore more energy should be supplied for H2O to break inter

molecular forces and convert from solid to liquid state than H2S. So mpt of H2O must be higher than that of H2S.