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  4. The hydrides of the first elements in groups 15 - 17, namely NH3, H2O and HF respectively show abnormally high values for melting and boiling points. This is due to

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Q. The hydrides of the first elements in groups $15 - 17$, namely $NH_3, H_2O$ and $HF$ respectively show abnormally high values for melting and boiling points. This is due to

WBJEEWBJEE 2014Hydrogen

Solution:

Hydrides of $N , O$ and $F$ because of the small size and high electronegativity of elements, have ability to form extensive intermolecular (i.e., between two molecules) hydrogen bonding. Thus, a large amount of energy is required to break these bonds, i.e., the melting and boiling points of hydrides of these elements are abnormally high.