Chapter 10, Problem 10.3DQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The way by which van der Waals interactions depend on the structure of the molecule has to be given.

Concept introduction:

Van der Waals' forces: This is electrostatic attraction between temporary dipoles and induced dipoles caused by moments of electrons in atoms and molecules.

Intermolecular forces are Van der Waals forces. They are weak and have three types viz., London dispersion forces, dipole-dipole forces and hydrogen bonding. Hydrogen bonding is relatively the strongest one.

• Intermolecular forces are the forces acting between molecules whereas Intramolecular forces are the forces that operate within a molecule.
• Hydrogen bonding is a special type of Dipole-dipole forces but stronger than the former.
• London dispersion forces exist in non-polar covalent compounds whereas dipole-dipole forces exist in polar covalent compounds but both are weak.
• Larger the molecular size, stronger the London dispersion force.