Intermolecular Forces

Intermolecular Attractions

The attraction between molecules, collectively known as van der Waals forces.

Van der Waals Forces

The attractive forces between molecules, ions, or between ions and molecules.

London Dispersion Forces (LDF)

A type of intermolecular force caused by the motion of electrons, strength increases with more electrons and mass.

Dipole-Dipole Forces

Intermolecular forces that occur between polar molecules, where there is an attraction between positive and negative ends.

Hydrogen Bonding

A strong type of dipole-dipole interaction where hydrogen is bonded to a highly electronegative atom and interacts with unbonded electron pairs.

Ion-Dipole Forces

Forces that occur when a polar molecule is attracted to an ion, weaker than ion/ion interactions.

Coulomb's Law

A law that states the force of attraction between charges increases with the magnitude of the charges and decreases with distance.

Dipole-Induced Dipole Forces

A polar molecule induces a temporary polarity in a non-polar molecule due to its electron cloud.

Induced Dipole-Induced Dipole Forces

Forces that occur when a non-polar molecule temporarily becomes polar due to fluctuations in the electron cloud.

Effects of Intermolecular Forces

Properties like boiling/melting points, enthalpy of fusion/vaporization, viscosity, and surface tension are all influenced by intermolecular forces.

Solubility

The ability of a substance to dissolve, significantly affected by the polarity of the solvent and solute.