How does increasing chain length alter the melting and boiling temperatures?

For a substance to melt or boil, heat energy must be supplied. This is to overcome Van der Waals forces. As the length of a chain increases, there are more Van der Waals forces present due to the chain getting longer, meaning more energy is required to break the bonds present. This causes the boiling and melting temperatures to increase.

RS
Answered by Rhea S. Chemistry tutor

8803 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Why is chlorine more reactive than iodine?


What is an unsaturated hydrocarbon?


Describe the trend in reactivity down group 1 of the periodic table.


What is an equilibrium?


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