As the molecular mass increases in a homologous series, there is a gradation in physical properties such as melting and boiling points. Higher molecular mass generally corresponds to stronger intermolecular forces, resulting in higher melting and boiling points.
What is the relationship between molecular mass and physical properties in a homologous series?
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In a homologous series, compounds share a similar molecular structure but differ in the number of repeating units. As molecular mass increases within the series, physical properties such as boiling and melting points generally exhibit a gradual and predictable trend. Larger molecules often have stronger intermolecular forces, resulting in higher boiling and melting points. Additionally, molecular mass influences other properties like viscosity and solubility. This regularity in physical properties along a homologous series is attributed to the consistent molecular structure, enabling systematic variations in intermolecular forces as molecular mass changes, thereby influencing the observed physical characteristics.