Water melts at 0°C. A student observes a liquid that melts at 10ºC. Which conclusion can the student reasonably draw?(1 point)

Question

The molecules in water are farther apart than the molecules in the unknown liquid.
The molecules in water are farther apart than the molecules in the unknown liquid.

The average kinetic energy of water molecules is greater than the average kinetic energy of the molecules in the unknown liquid.
The average kinetic energy of water molecules is greater than the average kinetic energy of the molecules in the unknown liquid.

The electrostatic forces between molecules in the unknown liquid are stronger than the electrostatic forces between water molecules.
The electrostatic forces between molecules in the unknown liquid are stronger than the electrostatic forces between water molecules.

The bonds between water molecules are stronger than the bonds between molecules in the unknown liquid.
The bonds between water molecules are stronger than the bonds between molecules in the unknown liquid.

Answer 1

The conclusion that the student can reasonably draw is:

The electrostatic forces between molecules in the unknown liquid are stronger than the electrostatic forces between water molecules.

This conclusion can be made because the melting point of a substance is indicative of the strength of the forces holding its molecules together. A substance that melts at a higher temperature, such as the unknown liquid melting at 10°C compared to water melting at 0°C, suggests that its intermolecular forces (electrostatic forces) are stronger than those in water.