Why does water have a higher boiling point than methane?

Methane has van der Waal's forces between molecules whereas water has hydrogen bonds between molecules. Hydrogen bonds are stronger than Van Der Waal's forces and therefore require more energy to be broken.

Answered by Chemistry tutor

12807 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the pH of a 25 ml sample of 0.2 M sulfuric acid? What is the pH after 5 ml of 0.25 M sodium hydroxide is added?


What is the difference between a sigma and pi bond? Use your answer to explain why there is fixed rotation about the C=C bond.


Explain why the boiling point increases from sodium to aluminium.


Calculate the number of moles in a sample of 113.47g of Ca(HCO3)2.


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