Question

Select the properties of liquids and solids that are controlled mostly by the strength of the intermolecular attractions.

compressibility

surface tension

evaporation

diffusion

sublimation

retention of volume and shape

wetting of a surface by a liquid

viscosity

Answer 1

1. Compressibilty - If the intermolecular bond is strrong enough to not break when stretched/compressed, the compressibity increases.
2. Surface tension - Surface tension depends on liquid-liquid molecular attraction and liquid-container molecular attraction.
3. Evaporation - Liquids with strong intermolecular force of attraction are less volatile (ex. mercury).
4. Diffusion - Depends on concentrations on both side of the semipermeable membrane, not on molecular attractions.
5. Sublimation - the intermolecular attraction in the liquid phase is sometimes very low in certain materials, thus they sublimate easily.
6. Retention of volume and shape - solids are able to retain their shape and volume due to their strong intermolecular forces.
7. Wetting of a surface by a liquid - It depends on surface tension which in turn depends on intermolecular forces.
8. Viscosity - Liquids with strong intermolecular forces are viscous.