Experiment results show that butane has a higher boiling point than propane, explain why.

When simple molecular substances such as a hydrocrabons are boiled, the intermolecular forces between the molecules are broken down. Heat energy is required to break down these forces. Butane is larger than propane and the larger a molecule is, the more intermolecular forces there are between those molecules. If there are more intermolecular forces between molecules, more energy is needed to break those bonds down, resulting in the larger chained hydrocarbons (butane in this case) having higher boiling points.

Answered by Ryan K. Chemistry tutor

17141 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Nitric acid reacts with magnesium and fizzing occurs. Write a word equation and a balanced chemical equation for this reaction.


What is the difference between an endothermic and exothermic reaction? How would you determine if a reaction was endothermic or exothermic using simple lab equipment?


The acid dissociation constant, Ka, of ethanoic acid is 1.78 x 10^-5 at 298K. Given that the concentration of a sample of ethanoic acid is 0.4moldm^-3, calculate its pH at 298K.


Describe the structure and bonding of sodium chloride.


We're here to help

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

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences