Question

As the molecular masses of hydrocarbons increase, their boiling points ______ and melting points ______.

Options

• increase

• decrease

Answer 1

As the molecular masses of hydrocarbons increase, their boiling points increase and melting points increase.

Explanation:

With an increase in molecular mass, hydrocarbons have stronger van der Waals forces, requiring more energy to break intermolecular bonds, leading to higher boiling and melting points.