What is the main reason for the low boiling point of hydrogen compared to other
Practice Questions
Q1
What is the main reason for the low boiling point of hydrogen compared to other group 1 hydrides?
Hydrogen forms stronger bonds
Hydrogen has a lower molecular weight
Hydrogen does not form hydrogen bonds
Hydrogen is a gas at room temperature
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
What is the main reason for the low boiling point of hydrogen compared to other group 1 hydrides?
Step 1: Understand what group 1 hydrides are. These are compounds formed between hydrogen and elements in group 1 of the periodic table, like lithium, sodium, and potassium.
Step 2: Recognize that heavier group 1 hydrides (like LiH, NaH, KH) can form hydrogen bonds due to their larger size and stronger interactions.
Step 3: Learn that hydrogen (H2) is a small molecule and does not have the ability to form hydrogen bonds like the heavier group 1 hydrides.
Step 4: Realize that hydrogen bonds are strong attractions between molecules, which increase the boiling point.
Step 5: Conclude that because hydrogen cannot form these strong hydrogen bonds, it has a lower boiling point compared to the heavier group 1 hydrides.
