Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 27: Problem 10

Is the strength of intermolecular forces determined by the bond strengths within the individual molecules? Explain your reasoning.

Short Answer

Expert verified
No, the strength of intermolecular forces is not determined by the bond strengths within the individual molecules. The intermolecular forces are more influenced by the type of particles involved and their structure rather than the bond strengths within the molecules.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Intermolecular and Intramolecular Forces

Intramolecular forces refer to the forces of attraction within a single molecule, which include covalent, ionic, and metallic bonding. Intermolecular forces refer to the forces between different molecules, which are generally weaker than intramolecular forces. The types include hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole interactions, and London dispersion forces.
02

Analyze the Relationship

After identifying the nature of intramolecular and intermolecular forces, it is crucial to understand that these are different forces acting in different spatial regions. While the intramolecular forces hold the atoms within a molecule together, intermolecular forces are responsible for the interaction between separate molecules. The strength of intermolecular forces does not depend on the strength of intramolecular forces, or bond strength within the molecules.
03

Formulate the Explanation

Even though the intermolecular forces are generally weaker than intramolecular forces, their strength is not determined by the bond strength within the individual molecules. For instance, helium atoms can experience weak intermolecular forces (London dispersion forces) despite having no bonds, while water has polar covalent bonds and experiences stronger intermolecular forces (hydrogen bonding). This illustrates that the strength of intermolecular forces is determined more by the type of particles involved and their structure, rather than the strength of bonds within individual molecules.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Rank these intermolecular forces in terms of their typical relative strengths: hydrogen bonding; dipole-dipole; induced dipole-induced dipole.

For each type of compound below, indicate how the boiling point changes as the molecular weight of the compound increases: a) alkane b) ketone c) alcohol

In the alcohols: a) what type(s) of intermolecular force is (are) present? b) what is the strongest intermolecular force present?

What is the difference between intramolecular bonds and intermolecular forces?

When water evaporates, are any bonds between \(\mathrm{H}\) atoms and \(\mathrm{O}\) atoms within a molecule broken?
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Inorganic Chemistry

Read Explanation

The Earths Atmosphere

Read Explanation

Making Measurements

Read Explanation

Ionic and Molecular Compounds

Read Explanation

Physical Chemistry

Read Explanation

Organic Chemistry

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free