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This lesson covers the properties of simple molecular substances as required by the AQA GCSE Combined Science Trilogy specification (8464), section 4.2.2. You need to understand why these substances have low melting and boiling points, why they do not conduct electricity, and distinguish between intermolecular forces and covalent bonds.
Simple molecular substances are made up of small molecules in which atoms are joined by strong covalent bonds. However, between the molecules there are only weak intermolecular forces (also called van der Waals forces or weak intermolecular forces of attraction).
Examples of simple molecular substances include:
| Substance | Formula | State at Room Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Hydrogen | H₂ | Gas |
| Oxygen | O₂ | Gas |
| Nitrogen | N₂ | Gas |
| Water | H₂O | Liquid |
| Methane | CH₄ | Gas |
| Carbon dioxide | CO₂ | Gas |
| Ethanol | C₂H₅OH | Liquid |
| Iodine | I₂ | Solid |
It is essential to distinguish between the two types of force in simple molecular substances:
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