State of a molecule

[Mrudula Akkinepally]

In lecture 26, Dr. Lavelle drew a Lewis structure and identified that it was in the gas state. I just want to clarify that we don't know how to determine the state of a molecule solely based on its Lewis Structure, right?

Follow up question: how would we determine what state a molecule is in? Like would that information just be given to us?

Thank you!

[305572629]

No- we shouldn't have to know that for this course! If anything, assume normally that the diatomic molecules N2 and O2 and common molecules like CO2 are in their gaseous state, and that metals are solids, but other than that I don't believe we are responsible for knowing states of molecules.

[Sophia Stewart 3F]

It seems like we're usually given the state if it's needed.

[Bella Bursulaya 3G]

Nope! I think it would be impossible to know. When given H2O, it could be in the gas, liquid, or solid phase but unless we're given the state or temperature, we won't know just from the Lewis structure (because remember the different states are based on intermolecular forces, so the overall shape of the molecule won't change). Hope this helps!

[abby hyman]

I do not think any questions would be asked in this class about what state of matter an atom or molecule would be in. Other than knowing that metals are solid and the obvious gasses, you should be solid

[805421690]

The state is given if needed!

[Jessie Hsu 1C]

Yes! I believe that the state will be given unless there are other details provided that allow us to determine the state such as temperature, pressure, etc.