Question

When non-polar molecular solids are either liquids or gases, why are they termed solids?

Answer 1

Molecular Solids

• The majority of molecular solids are insulators, soft, and have low densities.
• Sugar, solid halogens, sulfur, and ice are examples of molecular solids.

Non-Polar Molecular Solid:

• Since the electron distribution in such substances is symmetrical, no charge is abundant on either side.
• Charges that are diametrically opposed cancel one another out.
• Some examples of non-polar molecular compounds are Methane$\left({\mathrm{CH}}_4\right)$, and Oxygen$\left({\mathrm{O}}_2\right)$.
• They're liquids or gases at normal temperature and pressure.
• Van der Waals forces are the forces that bind or hold the molecules in solids together (weak dispersion or London forces).
• Ionic or covalent bonds are stronger than these forces.
• These solids have low melting points and are bad conductors of electricity.

Hence, Non-polar molecular solids are liquids or gases that are solids because they are made up of atoms or molecules that have non-polar covalent bonds between them.