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 are weaker than intramolecular forces (bonds within a molecule) and play a crucial role in determining the physical properties of substances.

Front

What is hydrogen bonding?

Back

Hydrogen bonding is a type of strong dipole-dipole attraction that occurs between molecules when a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to a highly electronegative atom (like N, O, or F) is attracted to another electronegative atom.

Front

Which molecules can form hydrogen bonds?

Back

Molecules that have hydrogen atoms bonded to highly electronegative atoms such as nitrogen (N), oxygen (O), or fluorine (F) can form hydrogen bonds.

Front

What is the relationship between intermolecular forces and boiling point?

Back

The strength of intermolecular forces directly affects the boiling point of a substance; stronger intermolecular forces result in higher boiling points.

Front

Can H2S create hydrogen bonds?

Back

No, H2S cannot create hydrogen bonds because sulfur is not electronegative enough to form strong hydrogen bonds.

Front

Can HF create hydrogen bonds?

Back

Yes, HF can create hydrogen bonds due to the presence of a highly electronegative fluorine atom.

Front

Can H2O create hydrogen bonds?

Back

Yes, H2O can create hydrogen bonds because of the highly electronegative oxygen atom bonded to hydrogen.

Front

What are dipole-dipole interactions?

Back

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

Front

What are London dispersion forces?

Back

London dispersion forces are weak intermolecular forces that arise from temporary shifts in electron density in nonpolar molecules, leading to temporary dipoles.

Front

Which type of intermolecular force is the weakest?

Back

London dispersion forces are the weakest type of intermolecular force.