Which is distilled first? — Chemical Bonding Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Step 1: The substance that distills first has the lowest boiling point, which corresponds to having the weakest intermolecular forces of attraction. Step 2: All the given substances (H2, CO2, O2, N2) are non-polar and are held together only by weak London dispersion forces. Step 3: London dispersion forces increase with molecular weight and surface area. Since H2 is the smallest and lightest molecule, it has the weakest dispersion forces and the lowest boiling point, meaning liquid H2 will distill first (option a).