Intermolecular Forces Flashcard

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 hydrogen bonding?

Back

Hydrogen bonding is a strong type of dipole-dipole attraction that occurs between molecules when hydrogen is 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, regardless of polarity.

Front

What is a 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 does boiling point relate to intermolecular forces?

Back

Generally, substances with stronger intermolecular forces have higher boiling points because more energy is required to overcome these forces.

Front

Which type of intermolecular force is the strongest?

Back

Hydrogen bonding is generally considered the strongest type of intermolecular force, followed by dipole-dipole interactions and then London dispersion forces.

Front

What is the significance of boiling points in comparing substances?

Back

Boiling points can indicate the strength of intermolecular forces; a higher boiling point typically suggests stronger intermolecular forces.

Front

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

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Larger molecules have more electrons and a greater surface area, which can lead to stronger London dispersion forces.

Front

What is the effect of polarity on intermolecular forces?

Back

Polar molecules exhibit stronger intermolecular forces (dipole-dipole interactions) compared to nonpolar molecules, which primarily experience London dispersion forces.

Front

How do intermolecular forces affect solubility?

Back

The solubility of a substance in a solvent is influenced by the types of intermolecular forces present; 'like dissolves like' is a common rule, meaning polar solvents dissolve polar solutes and nonpolar solvents dissolve nonpolar solutes.