Distinguish between polarizability and polarity. How does each influence intermolecular forces?

Short Answer

Expert verified

Polarity is a permanent phenomenon whereas polarizability is a temporary phenomenon. In terms of intermolecular forces, the polarity has a permanent dipole moment and polarizability has induced a dipole moment which is temporary.

Step by step solution

01

Polarity and Polarizability

Polarity can be defined as the attraction of two oppositely charged atoms which have a permanent dipole. This type of bond consists of an electronegative atom and electropositive atom which form a strong bond.

Polarizability can be defined as the attraction of two oppositely charged atoms which are induced by the polar atom in the molecule. It also works on thephenomenon called induction which is temporary in nature and the electrons cloud of an atom is influenced by the other polar atom or electric field applied.

02

Interaction Explanation

The intermolecular interaction happens due to polarities such as dipole-dipole interaction or hydrogen bonding. The polarity gives rise to the permanent bond due to the interaction of oppositely charged atoms. The electronegative atom attracts the electron from the electropositive atom towards itself.

The interaction happens due to the presence of the polarizability such as dispersion forces which are also called dipole-induced dipole forces. The polarizability gives rise to the temporary bond due to the presence of the polar atom and an induced atom which can be non-polar.

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.

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

See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

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