Chemistry 101: Polarity and Intermolecular Forces

These flashcards cover key concepts in the lecture regarding the polarity of molecules, intermolecular forces, and relevant definitions and examples.

Polarity

A property of molecules where there is an asymmetrical distribution of electrons, resulting in positive and negative poles.

Covalent bond

A chemical bond formed when two atoms share electrons.

Dipole

A molecule that has a positive end and a negative end due to unequal distribution of electrons.

Intermolecular forces

Forces of attraction or repulsion between neighboring molecular entities.

Hydrogen bonding

Strong dipole-dipole attractions that occur between molecules containing hydrogen covalently bonded to highly electronegative atoms.

London dispersion forces

Weak intermolecular forces that result from momentary dipoles in atoms or nonpolar molecules.

Lattice energy

The energy released when gaseous ions combine to form an ionic solid.

Crystalline solid

A solid material whose constituents are arranged in a highly ordered microscopic structure.

Amorphous solid

A solid that lacks a long-range order in its molecular arrangement.

X-ray diffraction

A technique used to study the structure of crystalline materials by observing the patterns produced when X-rays are scattered by the atoms.