Properties of Small Molecules (GCSE Chemistry)
Properties of Small Molecules
Properties of Small Molecules
- The physical properties of a covalent compound is determined by its structure. The strength of the intermolecular forces between individual molecules determines the melting and boiling point of these small molecules.
- Simple molecules have low melting and boiling points. The melting and boiling points of simple covalent compounds is usually low. This is because the intermolecular forces of attraction between molecules are weak and easy to overcome. Very little energy is required to overcome these forces. Therefore, many simple molecules are liquids and gasses at room temperature. .
- Larger molecules have higher melting and boiling points. When molecules increase in size, the strength of the intermolecular forces also increases. More energy is required to overcome the relatively stronger intermolecular forces and therefore larger molecules have higher melting and boiling points.
- Simple covalent molecules do not conduct electricity. Small molecules are poor conductors of electricity because they do not have an overall charge or free electrons to conduct electricity through the molecule.
Small molecules are chemical substances that are made up of a small number of atoms and have a relatively simple structure. They are usually less than 1000 daltons in size and can be easily dissolved in water.
Small molecules in GCSE Chemistry have several properties, including:
Solubility: Small molecules are usually easily soluble in water and other solvents.
Reactivity: Small molecules are highly reactive due to their simple structure and the presence of unpaired electrons.
Stability: Small molecules are generally stable due to the strong covalent bonds that hold their atoms together.
Volatility: Small molecules are often volatile, meaning they readily evaporate into the atmosphere.
Small molecules in GCSE Chemistry behave in several ways, including:
Dissolving in solvents: Small molecules can easily dissolve in solvents such as water and other liquids, making them useful for a variety of chemical reactions.
Reacting with other substances: Small molecules are highly reactive, making them useful for chemical reactions with other substances.
Evaporating into the atmosphere: Small molecules are often volatile, meaning they readily evaporate into the atmosphere.
Small molecules are used in a variety of ways in GCSE Chemistry, including:
As reactants in chemical reactions: Small molecules can be used as reactants in chemical reactions to produce new substances.
As solvents: Small molecules can be used as solvents to dissolve other substances in chemical reactions.
As materials in everyday products: Small molecules can be found in everyday products such as medicines, perfumes, and dyes.
Small molecules in GCSE Chemistry differ from large molecules in several ways, including:
Size: Small molecules are usually less than 1000 daltons in size, while large molecules are much larger.
Structure: Small molecules have a simple structure, while large molecules have a more complex structure.
Solubility: Small molecules are easily soluble in water and other solvents, while large molecules are often insoluble.
Reactivity: Small molecules are highly reactive, while large molecules are often less reactive.
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