Question

question 15 (1 point) ✓ saved
why are the groups shown in the table below important?
they are all ionic
they influence the physical and chemical properties of the molecule.
they do not participate in chemical reactions.
they stop molecules from reacting with each other to ensure they stay stable.

Explanation:

Functional groups are specific groups of atoms or bonds within molecules that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of those molecules. They can influence the physical properties (such as solubility, boiling point) and chemical properties (such as reactivity, acidity/basicity) of the molecule. For example, the hydroxyl group (-OH) makes alcohols polar and able to form hydrogen bonds (affecting solubility and boiling point), and also makes them reactive in certain reactions (like substitution reactions). The options "They are all ionic" is incorrect as these are covalent functional groups. "They do not participate in chemical reactions" is wrong because functional groups are the sites of chemical reactions. "They stop molecules from reacting" is also incorrect as they are involved in reactions.

Answer:

They influence the physical and chemical properties of the molecule.