As the intermolecular attractive forces between molecules increase in magnitude, do you expect each of the following to increase or decrease in magnitude? (g) critical temperature.

Key Concepts

Intermolecular Forces

Intermolecular forces are the attractive forces that occur between molecules. These forces include hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole interactions, and London dispersion forces. The strength of these forces influences various physical properties of substances, such as boiling and melting points, as well as critical temperature.

Critical Temperature

Critical temperature is the highest temperature at which a substance can exist as a liquid, regardless of pressure. Above this temperature, the substance cannot be liquefied by pressure alone. The critical temperature is influenced by the strength of intermolecular forces; stronger forces typically lead to a higher critical temperature.

Relationship Between Intermolecular Forces and Critical Temperature

As intermolecular forces increase, the critical temperature of a substance also tends to increase. This is because stronger intermolecular attractions require more energy (in the form of heat) to overcome, thus allowing the substance to remain in a liquid state at higher temperatures. Therefore, understanding this relationship is crucial for predicting changes in critical temperature.