Intramolecular forces hold atoms together in a molecule. They are stronger than the intermolecular forces, which hold molecules close to each other in solids and liquids.
The heat of reaction for the decomposition of water in the liquid state is 285.8 kJ/mol. The molar heat of vaporization for water is 40.7 kJ/mol. In other words, seven times more energy is required to break up a mole of water molecules into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas than is required to convert a mole of liquid water to water vapor.
Obtain and Evaluate Information
SEP Construct an Explanation Use scientific reasoning to provide an explanation for the difference between the energy needed to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen gases and the energy needed to convert liquid water into vapor.
