Which statement best explains why water has a higher boiling point than ethane? ethane molecules are smaller than water and can move faster. water molecules need relatively less heat energy to move. water molecules form hydrogen bonds, which cannot be broken by heating water. ethane molecules have no hydrogen bonds and need less energy to separate.

The last one is the correct answer! Water possesses two H-O bonds, which are capable of forming hydrogen bonds with other water molecules, an other molecules possessing H-O, H-N, or H-F bonds. These bonds are typically much stronger than other induced bonds, and since the strength of the intermolecular forces has a direct influence on the boiling point of the solution, water has a much higher boiling point than ethane.