Liquids and Solids

In order to predict the properties of liquids and solids, we first must understand the intra- and intermolecular forces at play. Intramolecular forces and intermolecular forces can tell us a lot about the behaviors of our molecule(s). We can analyze or predict the nature of molecule(s) based on our knowledge on intramolecular and intermolecular forces.

Intramolecular Forces Vocabulary

intramolecular force: forces that occur within a molecule; between the particles of the substance

ionic bonding: the bond formed between a cation and an anion

covalent bonding: the bond formed between the sharing of electrons

metallic bonding: this is the attraction between conduction electrons and positively charged metal ions

Intramolecular Bonding (6:01)

Intermolecular Forces Vocabulary

intermolecular force: forces that occur between molecules. Intermolecular forces are known to be the cause of the physical properties of the studied substance. These are usually weaker than intramolecular.

London dispersion: intermolecular force present in all molecules

dipole-dipole: the attraction between oppositely charged ends of two dipoles

ion-dipole: the attraction between the end of a dipole and an ion of opposite charge

hydrogen bonding: the stronger dipole-dipole interaction that occurs between a H atom which is intramolecularly bonded to N, O, or F and an N, O, or F atom on a neighboring atom

Intermolecular Forces (3:31)