Question

Qualitatively estimate the relative melting points for each of the solids, and rank them in decreasing order.

Answer 1

Answer:

Graphite> sodium chloride> solid ammonia

Explanation:

Melting points of solids has a lot to do with the nature of intermolecular forces in the solid. A substance melts when the intermolecular forces holding the crystal lattice has been overcome such that that the crystal structure of the solid just collapses.

Graphite consists of covalently bonded layers of carbon atom which form a giant lattice. The melting point of graphite is very high because of the fact that the strong covalent bonds that hold the carbon atoms together in the layers require a lot of heat energy to break. Grapoghite melts at about 3600°C

Sodium chloride is an ionic compound that melts at about 801°C. The lattice is composed of alternate sodium and chloride ions.

Solid ammonia is held together by much weaker intermolecular interaction hence it has a melting point of about −77.73 °C.