Question

Solid \[C{{H}_{4}}\] is
A. Molecular solid
B. Ionic solid
C. Pseudo solid
D. Does not exists

Answer 1

Hint: Methane or \[C{{H}_{4}}\]is a natural gas. It also exists in solid form. In solid methane or \[C{{H}_{4}}\]London dispersion force is present between the molecules of methane.

Complete step by step solution:In ionic solid the weak electrostatic force of attraction is present between the ions or the constituent atoms. An example of ionic solid is sodium chloride where a weak electrostatic force of attraction is present between sodium ion and chloride ion.

In molecular solid weak vanderwaal’s force of attraction is present between the molecules. In methane the weak London dispersion force which is a type of vaderwaal’s force is present between the methane molecules. Thus methane exists as a molecular solid.
Thus we can write that solid methane or \[C{{H}_{4}}\] is molecular solid.

Thus the correct option is A.

Additional information: Methane is a natural hydrocarbon. It has the molecular formula of \[C{{H}_{4}}\]. The molecular weight of methane is $16$ . It is the simplest alkane. It has a very low melting and boiling point. It is volatile. Solid methane is soft.

Note: There are three types of molecular solids present. The three types are Non-polar molecular solids, Polar molecular solids and Hydrogen-bonded molecular solids. Among these three methane is a non polar molecular solid.