Question

based on the strength of their intermolecular forces, how does the boiling point of ch₄ compare to ch₃ch₂ch₃? ch₄ has a higher boiling point than ch₃ch₂ch₃. the boiling point of ch₄ and ch₃ch₂ch₃ cannot be determined. ch₄ has a lower boiling point than ch₃ch₂ch₃. ch₄ has the same boiling point as ch₃ch₂ch₃.

Explanation:

Both $\text{CH}_4$ (methane) and $\text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{CH}_3$ (propane) are nonpolar alkanes with only London dispersion forces. Larger molecules have stronger dispersion forces due to more electrons and larger surface area. Propane has a larger molecular mass and size than methane, so its intermolecular forces are stronger. Stronger forces require more energy to break, leading to a higher boiling point. Thus, methane has a lower boiling point than propane.

Answer:

CH₄ has a lower boiling point than CH₃CH₂CH₃.