Question

Which statement correctly describes the relationship between a substance's boiling point, molecular structure, and electrostatic force strength? (1 point) Responses The boiling point of a substance affects the molecular structure and that can affect the strength of the electrostatic forces between molecules. The boiling point of a substance affects the molecular structure and that can affect the strength of the electrostatic forces between molecules. The molecular structure doesn't affect the boiling point but does weaken the electrostatic forces between molecules. The molecular structure doesn't affect the boiling point but does weaken the electrostatic forces between molecules. Weaker electrostatic forces cause weaker molecular structure and lower boiling points. Weaker electrostatic forces cause weaker molecular structure and lower boiling points. The strength of electrostatic forces can be affected by the molecular structure, in turn affecting the boiling point. The strength of electrostatic forces can be affected by the molecular structure, in turn affecting the boiling point.

Answer 1

The correct statement is: "The strength of electrostatic forces can be affected by the molecular structure, in turn affecting the boiling point."

This statement accurately reflects the relationship between molecular structure, electrostatic forces, and boiling point. The molecular structure determines how strongly molecules attract each other (via intermolecular forces like hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole interactions, and Van der Waals forces), which directly affects the boiling point of a substance. Stronger electrostatic forces typically lead to higher boiling points because more energy is required to separate the molecules during the phase change from liquid to gas.