The forces holding naphthalene crystals together can be overcome when naphthalene is heated to a temperature of 354K resulting in the crystal to…
Source: JAMB · 2024
The forces holding naphthalene crystals together can be overcome when naphthalene is heated to a temperature of 354K resulting in the crystal to melting. These forces are known as?
Explanation
Naphthalene is a molecular solid. Its molecules are held together by weak intermolecular forces called Van der Waals forces. These forces are easy to overcome, so it melts at a low temperature (354 K, about 81°C) and sublimes easily.
Ionic (coulombic) forces and covalent networks hold crystals like salt or diamond, which melt at far higher temperatures. The covalent bonds inside each naphthalene molecule are not broken on melting.
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