Intermolecular forces

Definition

Intermolecular forces are the forces of attraction or repulsion which act between neighboring particles (atoms, molecules, or ions). They are crucial for determining the physical properties of substances, such as boiling points, melting points, and solubilities.

Related terms

Dipole: Dipole Interactions - These are attractive forces that occur between the positive end of one polar molecule and the negative end of another polar molecule.

Hydrogen Bonding:

A strong type of dipole-dipole interaction that occurs when hydrogen is bonded to a highly electronegative atom (such as nitrogen, oxygen, or fluorine), facilitating an attraction with another electronegative atom.

London Dispersion Forces:

These are weak intermolecular forces that arise from temporary shifts in electron density within molecules, causing instantaneous dipoles that attract neighboring molecules