Question

The critical temperatures of $$CO_{2}$$ and $$CH_{4}$$ gases are $$31.1^{0}C$$ and $$-81.9^{0}C$$. Which of the two has strong intermolecular forces and why?

Answer 1

The maximum temperature at which a gas can be converted into a liquid by an increase in pressure is called its critical temperature $$(T_{C})$$. The liquification of a gas becomes easier with the increase in critical temperature, which means that the intermediate forces of attraction between the molecules of a gas are directly proportional to its critical temperature. Here, the critical temperature for carbon dioxide is higher. Hence, intermediate forces of attraction are stronger in the case of carbon dioxide.