Chemistry Intermolecular Forces and Properties

Flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to intermolecular forces and properties of substances.

Intramolecular force

The strong force that holds atoms together within a molecule (e.g., covalent or ionic bonds).

Intermolecular force

The weaker force that holds separate molecules together (e.g., dipole-dipole, hydrogen bonding, London dispersion).

Dipole-Dipole force

An intermolecular force that occurs between polar molecules, where the positive end of one molecule attracts the negative end of another.

Hydrogen bonding

A strong type of dipole-dipole force that occurs when hydrogen is bonded to nitrogen (N), oxygen (O), or fluorine (F).

London dispersion

The weakest intermolecular force caused by temporary shifts in electron clouds, found in all molecules but especially important in nonpolar ones.

Ionic bond

A strong bond between a metal and a nonmetal where electrons are transferred, creating positive and negative ions.

Metallic bond

A bond between metal atoms where electrons move freely, allowing metals to conduct electricity and be malleable.

Polar

A molecule with an uneven distribution of charge, meaning it has a positive and a negative end (like water).

Nonpolar

A molecule with an even distribution of charge, meaning it has no distinct positive or negative ends (like oil).

Boiling point

The temperature at which a liquid turns into a gas; stronger intermolecular forces mean a higher boiling point.

Vapor pressure

The pressure of a gas above a liquid; liquids with weak intermolecular forces have higher vapor pressure because they evaporate easily.

Surface tension

Due to intermolecular forces, liquids form droplets and resist external force.

Viscosity

A measure of a liquid's resistance to flow.

Network solid

Extremely strong covalent bonding throughout the structure.

Ionic bond

Strong electrostatic attraction between positive and negative ions.

Covalent bond

Sharing of electrons between atoms; strength depends on bond type (single, double, triple).

Hydrogen bond

Strong dipole-dipole interaction involving hydrogen bonded to N, O, or F.

Dipole-dipole force

Attraction between polar molecules with permanent dipoles.

London dispersion force

Weakest intermolecular force; present in all molecules but dominant in nonpolar ones.