Question

An unknown substance has a boiling point of 174°C. Which statement is true about this unknown substance?


It has a lower boiling point than water, and it likely has weaker electrostatic forces between its molecules than water.
It has a lower boiling point than water, and it likely has weaker electrostatic forces between its molecules than water.

It has a lower boiling point than water, and it likely has stronger electrostatic forces between its molecules than water.
It has a lower boiling point than water, and it likely has stronger electrostatic forces between its molecules than water.

It has a higher boiling point than water, and it likely has weaker electrostatic forces between its molecules than water.
It has a higher boiling point than water, and it likely has weaker electrostatic forces between its molecules than water.

It has a higher boiling point than water, and it likely has stronger electrostatic forces between its molecules than water.
It has a higher boiling point than water, and it likely has stronger electrostatic forces between its molecules than water.

Answer 1

The answers got messed up

Answer 2

The boiling point of water is 100 degrees C so right off the bat you know the unknown substance has a higher Bp than water, narrowing us down to the last 2 choices.

Now, let’s consider whether it has weaker or stronger electrostatic forces between its molecules. If the boiling point is higher, do you think the electrostatic forces are stronger or weaker?

If you’re still having trouble - if the boiling point is higher you need to add more energy to break the bonds.