The melting and boiling points of carbon compounds are generally low and they are largely non-conductors of electricity. State two conclusions based on these two properties.
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 06:47 · grounding rag
Model Answer
Conclusion 1: The forces of attraction between the molecules of carbon compounds are not very strong (which explains their low melting and boiling points).
Conclusion 2: The bonding in carbon compounds does not give rise to any ions (which explains why they are non-conductors of electricity). Carbon forms covalent bonds by sharing electrons rather than transferring them.
Source: Chapter 4, Section 4.1 – Bonding in Carbon
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Explanation
- The passage directly states both conclusions, so quote them precisely — examiners expect these exact ideas.
- Conclusion 1 must link low M.P./B.P. → weak intermolecular forces.
- Conclusion 2 must link non-conduction → no ions formed → covalent (sharing) bonding.
- Avoid writing lengthy explanations; one crisp sentence per conclusion is enough for 1 mark each.