Intermolecular Forces Review

Front

What are intermolecular forces?

Back

Intermolecular forces are the forces of attraction or repulsion between neighboring particles (molecules, atoms, or ions). They play a crucial role in determining the physical properties of substances.

Front

What are London dispersion forces?

Back

London dispersion forces are weak intermolecular forces that arise from temporary dipoles in molecules. They are present in all molecules, but are the only type of intermolecular force in nonpolar molecules.

Front

What is the significance of hydrogen bonding?

Back

Hydrogen bonding is a strong type of dipole-dipole interaction that occurs when hydrogen is bonded to highly electronegative atoms like nitrogen, oxygen, or fluorine. It significantly affects the boiling and melting points of substances.

Front

What is a polar molecule?

Back

A polar molecule has a net dipole moment due to the presence of polar bonds, which arise from differences in electronegativity between atoms.

Front

What is a nonpolar molecule?

Back

A nonpolar molecule has no net dipole moment, meaning the distribution of electron density is even, often due to symmetrical arrangements of atoms.

Front

How do intermolecular forces affect boiling points?

Back

Stronger intermolecular forces result in higher boiling points, as more energy is required to overcome these forces during the phase change from liquid to gas.

Front

What is the relationship between molecular size and London dispersion forces?

Back

As molecular size increases, London dispersion forces also increase due to a larger electron cloud, leading to stronger temporary dipoles.

Front

What type of intermolecular forces are present in NH3?

Back

NH3 exhibits hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole interactions, and London dispersion forces.

Front

Which molecule has the strongest intermolecular forces: CH3OH, CH4, or CH3CH2OH?

Back

CH3CH2OH has the strongest intermolecular forces due to hydrogen bonding.

Front

What is the effect of intermolecular forces on the state of matter?

Back

Intermolecular forces determine whether a substance is a solid, liquid, or gas at a given temperature and pressure.