Question

how does the number of carbons affect the boiling point?

Answer 1

increasing the number of carbons (atoms in general) increases the surface area and electron population, as a result the intermolecular forces (london dispersion forces) between adjacent molecules increases. As a result, it increases the boiling point.

Answer 2

@aaronq
does that apply for dipole-dipole and Hydrogen bonding too?

Answer 3

those are other types of intermolecular forces, hydrocarbons are not capable of interacting through the forces you mentioned.

Answer 4

thankyou