[Aravind]

I just read a paragraph and is confused about it in section "physical properties of alkanes" here it is :

"With increase in number of branched chains, the molecules attains the shape of a sphere.This results in smaller area of contact and therefore weak intermolecular forces between spherical molecules ,which are overcome at relatively lower temperatures"

 I think the spherical shape increases area of contact and hence attraction increases .tell me why i am wrong please

[Borek]

Put two pencils and two ping pong balls close to each other. Compare contact surface.

[Aravind]

got it !! thanks!!!