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WAEC Chemistry 2021 Theory — Question 9

Question 9 of 31 from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) Chemistry 2021 Theory paper, with the correct answer and a full explanation.

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1(i). Explain briefly why ethanol has a higher boiling point than propane even though they both have comparable molar masses.

Model answer

Ethanol molecules form strong intermolecular hydrogen bonds (via the O-H group), which are stronger than the weak Van der Waals forces present between propane molecules, so more energy is needed to separate ethanol molecules, giving it a higher boiling point.

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