Which compound has a higher boiling point and why: water (H2O) or methane (CH4)?

Water has a higher boiling point because the hydrogen bonds that form among water molecules are stronger than the Van der Waals interactions among methane molecules, thus more energy must be provided in order to break the hydrogen bonds and allow the water molecules to escape the liquid state.

MD
Answered by Maria D. Chemistry tutor

41665 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

How does ionic bonding work and what is the structure of an ionic compound?


Explain the dipoles on the following covalent bonds: Cl-Cl, H-Cl


How would you name complex organic compounds?


How does the reducing ability of halide ions vary?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning