Question

Critical temperature for carbon dioxide and methane are 31.1 °C and –81.9 °C respectively. Which of these has stronger intermolecular forces and why?

Answer 1

Methane has a more stronger intermolecular force though both become gas at these temperature respectively.Atoms r made of electrons and protons .These have the same freezing point .The freezing point of molecules vary because of no. Of electrons and protons. As the temperature decreases these particles become slower so methane has a stronger intermolecular force because these particles are slower and more tightly packed up

Answer 2

The maximum temperature at which a gas can be converted into a liquid by an increase in pressure is called its critical temperature(Tc). This means that the intermolecular forces of attraction between the molecules of a gas are directly proportional to its critical temperature. Hence, intermolecular forces of attraction are stronger in the case of CO2.