Intermolecular Forces

Front

What are intermolecular forces?

Back

Intermolecular forces are the forces of attraction or repulsion between neighboring particles (atoms, molecules, or ions). They are responsible for the physical properties of substances, such as boiling and melting points.

Front

What is the strongest type of intermolecular force?

Back

Hydrogen bonding is 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 dispersion forces?

Back

Dispersion forces, also known as London dispersion forces, are weak intermolecular forces that arise from temporary dipoles in molecules due to the movement of electrons.

Front

How do dipole-dipole interactions occur?

Back

Dipole-dipole interactions occur between polar molecules, where the positive end of one molecule is attracted to the negative end of another.

Front

Which type of molecule will exhibit hydrogen bonding?

Back

Molecules that contain hydrogen bonded to highly electronegative atoms (N, O, or F) will exhibit hydrogen bonding.

Front

What is the relationship between molecular size and boiling point?

Back

Generally, larger molecules have higher boiling points due to increased dispersion forces resulting from a larger electron cloud.

Front

Which substance has the weakest intermolecular forces: CH4, NaCl, H2O, or MgF2?

Back

CH4 (methane) has the weakest intermolecular forces due to its nonpolar nature.

Front

What is the effect of intermolecular forces on melting point?

Back

Stronger intermolecular forces result in higher melting points, as more energy is required to overcome these forces.

Front

What type of intermolecular force is present in NaCl?

Back

NaCl exhibits ionic bonding, which is a strong type of intermolecular force due to the attraction between positively and negatively charged ions.

Front

How do intermolecular forces affect solubility?

Back

Intermolecular forces determine solubility; polar substances tend to dissolve in polar solvents, while nonpolar substances dissolve in nonpolar solvents.