types of intermolecular forces

Intermolecular Forces

are attractive forces between molecules, not within them. They are weaker than covalent or ionic bonds, but they play a huge role in determining physical properties

London Dispersion Forces (LDF)

• Present in ALL molecules, even nonpolar ones

• Caused by temporary fluctuations in electron clouds

• Weakest IMF,

Dipole–Dipole Forces

• Occur between polar molecules

• Caused by attraction between partially positive (δ⁺) and partially negative (δ⁻) ends

Hydrogen Bonding

• Strongest common intermolecular force

• Occurs when hydrogen is covalently bonded to:

o Nitrogen (N)

o Oxygen (O)

o Fluorine (F)