Which compound has a higher boiling point and why: water (H2O) or methane (CH4)?

Water has a higher boiling point because the hydrogen bonds that form among water molecules are stronger than the Van der Waals interactions among methane molecules, thus more energy must be provided in order to break the hydrogen bonds and allow the water molecules to escape the liquid state.

Answered by Maria D. Chemistry tutor

37792 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain the reactions of CH3CH2Cl with the nucleophile NH3 and name the initial product formed.


Write down the equation for the Gibbs Free Energy change of a reaction. Hence explain why, for a spontaneous endothermic reaction, there must be an increase in the total entropy.


Alcohols can be converted into alkenes in an elimination reaction. The elimination of H2O from pentan-2-ol forms a mixture of organic products. Give the names and structures of all the organic products in the mixture.


Explain how pH changes can be minimised using a mixture of a weak acid and it's conjugate base


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences