Chapter 14, Problem 39A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The intermolecular forces that present in a molecular solid and in an ionic solid have to be explained.

Concept Introduction:

Crystalline solids are solid compounds with highly ordered structure of the constituents (atoms, molecules or ions). Depending on the constituents (atoms, molecules or ions), the crystalline solids are classified in three types-

1. Ionic solids
2. Molecular solids
3. Atomic solids

Answer to Problem 39A

The forces holding together a molecular solid are much lower than the forces between particles in an ionic solid.

Explanation of Solution

Intermolecular attractive forces which held the particles together inside the solids are different for ionic and molecular solids. Intermolecular attractive force in ionic solids is the strong electrostatic forces between two oppositely charged ions. Whereas intermolecular attractive force in molecular solids is Van der Waals forces between the particles which is much weaker than the electrostatic force.