Intermolecular Forces

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 is the strongest type of intermolecular force?

Back

Hydrogen bonding is considered the strongest type of intermolecular force, occurring between molecules that have hydrogen bonded to highly electronegative atoms like nitrogen, oxygen, or fluorine.

Front

What are London dispersion forces?

Back

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

Front

What is dipole-dipole interaction?

Back

Dipole-dipole interactions are attractive forces between the positive end of one polar molecule and the negative end of another polar molecule.

Front

How do boiling points relate to intermolecular forces?

Back

Substances with stronger intermolecular forces generally have higher boiling points because more energy is required to overcome these forces.

Front

What is the significance of boiling point in determining intermolecular forces?

Back

The boiling point of a substance can indicate the strength of its intermolecular forces; lower boiling points suggest weaker forces, while higher boiling points suggest stronger forces.

Front

What type of intermolecular forces does NH3 exhibit?

Back

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

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 is a polar molecule?

Back

A polar molecule is a molecule that has a net dipole moment due to the presence of polar bonds, resulting in a positive and a negative end.

Front

What is a nonpolar molecule?

Back

A nonpolar molecule is a molecule that does not have a net dipole moment, often due to symmetrical distribution of charge.