Question

Water freezes at 0∘C and CO freezes at −205∘C. Which type of intermolecular force accounts for this difference in freezing point between the two compounds?

Answer 1

Explanation:

The dipoles in CO are in opposite directions so they cancel each other out, although CO₂ has polar bonds, it is a nonpolar molecule. Therefore, the only intermolecular forces are London dispersion forces. Water (H2O) has hydrogen bond present which is a polar bond which has a high intermolecular force.

Water which has high intermolecular force will require more energy that is a higher temperature to overcome these attractions and are pulled together tightly to form a solid at higher temperatures, so their freezing point is higher.

As the temperature of a liquid decreases, the average kinetic energy of the molecules decreases and they move more slowly.

CO with lower intermolecular forces will not solidify until the temperature is lowered further.