Carbon compounds generally have low melting and boiling points compared to ionic compounds. What does this tell us about the forces between molecules in covalent compounds?
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-26 01:05 · grounding rag
Model Answer
The low melting and boiling points of carbon (covalent) compounds tell us that the intermolecular forces of attraction between the molecules are weak. Although the covalent bonds within each molecule are strong, the forces holding separate molecules together are not very strong, so less energy (heat) is needed to overcome them and change the state.
Source: Chapter 4, Section 4.1 – Bonding in Carbon
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Explanation
- The key distinction examiners look for: strong intramolecular (within molecule) covalent bonds vs. weak intermolecular forces — students often confuse the two.
- Quote or paraphrase the textbook line: "Covalently bonded molecules have strong bonds within the molecule, but intermolecular forces are weak."
- For 2 marks: one mark for stating intermolecular forces are weak; one mark for linking this to low melting/boiling points or contrasting with ionic compounds.