Question
Simple COVALENT molecular structures usually exist as... a GAS (at room temperature) a LIQUID (at room temperature) a SOLID with a LOW melting point [ANY of these]: It depends on the strength of the INTERMOLECULAR FORCES
Answer
4.2
(329 Votes)
Maddison
Master · Tutor for 5 years
Answer
[ANY of these]
Explanation
Covalent molecular compounds consist of molecules where atoms are linked by covalent bonds. However, the forces between these molecules (known as intermolecular forces) can considerably vary in strength. Light gases, liquids and low melting point solids at room conditions exist when intermolecular forces are typically weak, thus making it easier for the molecules to be distributed apart when thermal energy is proportionally high (as in standard room temperature conditions).Therefore, covalent molecular structures can exist as:a. A GAS at standard room temperature if their intermolecular forces are extremely weak and the thermal energy easily dislodges the molecules causing them to spread readily throughout the available space.b. A LIQUID if their intermolecular forces are modest. In this case, the thermal energy at room temperature does overcome the intermolecular forces to disintendent the molecules from a crystalline or regular solid structure but not enough to cause the molecules to separate into individual molecules uniformly spread in space.c. A SOLID if their intermolecular forces are comparably stronger but certainly weaker when seen in ionic or pure metallic bonding compounds. In this form, the thermal energy of standard room presumptually, the finely diversified molecule compounds contain sufficient lowering of melting points classifications needed to presumably persist in heated lab conditions settings.Since the nature of intermolecular forces drastically distinguishes the physical state of these molecules at room conditions, all of these can stand deserving, provided according to associated thermo characteristics.