Polarity and Intermolecular Forces

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and definitions related to polarity, intermolecular forces, and chromatography as discussed in the lecture notes.

Electronegativity

The attraction for a bonded pair of electrons by the nuclei involved in the bond.

Dipole Moment

The separation of positive and negative charges in a bond that results in a polar bond.

Polar Bond

A covalent bond where electrons are shared unequally, leading to a dipole moment.

Nonpolar Bond

A covalent bond where electrons are shared equally or between identical atoms.

Intermolecular Forces (IMFs)

Attractive forces between molecules based on partial charges.

London Forces

Weak attractions that occur due to instantaneous dipoles in molecules.

Dipole-Dipole Attraction

Attraction that occurs between permanent dipoles of polar molecules.

Dipole-Induced Dipole Attraction

Attraction that occurs when a polar molecule induces a dipole in a nonpolar molecule.

Van der Waals Forces

An umbrella term for London forces, dipole-induced dipoles, and dipole-dipole attractions.

Retention Factor (Rf)

The ratio of the distance traveled by a substance to that of the solvent front in chromatography.

Polarity Continuum

The concept that bonds can be more or less polar based on electronegativity differences.

Hydrophobic Interaction

The tendency of nonpolar molecules to aggregate in aqueous solutions to minimize their exposure to water.

Solubility Principle

The principle that 'like dissolves like' meaning polar substances dissolve in polar solvents.