Introduction to Intermolecular Forces

Intermolecular forces occur between molecules, while intramolecular forces occur within a molecule. Which statement best describes the difference between these two types of forces at the molecular level?

• Intermolecular forces occur between molecules, while intramolecular forces occur within a molecule.

• Intermolecular forces occur within a molecule, while intramolecular forces occur between molecules.

• Both intermolecular and intramolecular forces occur only within a molecule.

• Both intermolecular and intramolecular forces occur only between molecules.

The minimum number of molecules (or atoms, ions) needed for an intermolecular force is:

• one

• two

• three

• four

When two particles experience an intermolecular force, the two particles are attracted to each other by:

• electrostatic interactions

• nuclear fusion

• gravitational pull only

• magnetic fields

It would be easier to separate two molecules experiencing which type of intermolecular force?

• Strong intermolecular force

• Weak intermolecular force

• Both are equally easy

• It depends on the temperature

Which of the following is NOT one of the three types of intermolecular forces?

• London dispersion forces (LDF)

• Dipole-dipole interactions

• Hydrogen bonding

• Covalent bonding

London dispersion forces (LDFs) exist for all substances, whether composed of polar or nonpolar molecules.

• True

• False

London dispersion forces (LDF) arise from the formation of temporary instantaneous _______ across a molecule from the circulations of electrons.

• polarities

• bonds

• ions

• covalents

An instantaneous polarity in one molecule may induce an opposing polarity in an adjacent molecule, resulting in a series of _______ forces among neighboring molecules.

• attractive

• repulsive

• neutral

• random

What is the term for the characteristic that describes how easily the electron cloud of a molecule can be deformed by nearby charges?

• Polarizability

• Electronegativity

• Ionization energy

• Lattice energy

As a result of having higher molecular weights, molecules have higher LDF and consequently have higher melting points, boiling points, and enthalpies of _______.

• vaporization

• fusion

• sublimation

• deposition