Which is generally stronger, intermolecular interactions or intramolecular interactions?

Verified step by step guidance

Begin by understanding the difference between intermolecular and intramolecular interactions. Intermolecular interactions occur between molecules, while intramolecular interactions occur within a molecule, between atoms.

Consider the types of forces involved in each interaction. Intermolecular forces include van der Waals forces, dipole-dipole interactions, and hydrogen bonds. Intramolecular forces include covalent bonds, ionic bonds, and metallic bonds.

Evaluate the strength of these forces. Intramolecular forces, such as covalent bonds, are generally stronger because they involve the sharing or transfer of electrons between atoms, forming stable molecules.

Compare the energy required to break these interactions. Breaking intramolecular bonds typically requires more energy than overcoming intermolecular forces, which are weaker and more easily disrupted.

Conclude that intramolecular interactions are generally stronger than intermolecular interactions due to the nature of the forces involved and the energy required to break them.

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Intermolecular Interactions

Intermolecular interactions are forces that occur between molecules, influencing properties such as boiling and melting points. These interactions include hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole interactions, and London dispersion forces. While they are crucial for determining the physical state and behavior of substances, they are generally weaker than intramolecular forces.

Intramolecular Interactions

Intramolecular interactions are the forces that hold atoms together within a molecule, primarily through covalent or ionic bonds. These interactions are significantly stronger than intermolecular forces, as they involve the sharing or transfer of electrons between atoms. The strength of these bonds is essential for the stability and structure of molecules.

Comparison of Strength

The comparison of strength between intermolecular and intramolecular interactions highlights that intramolecular forces are typically much stronger. This distinction is crucial in understanding chemical properties and reactions, as the stability of a molecule is largely determined by its intramolecular interactions, while intermolecular forces affect physical properties like solubility and phase changes.

Recommended video:

Guided course

02:11

Oxyacid Strength Comparison

Related Practice

Textbook Question

(a) Which type of intermolecular attractive force operates between all molecules?

views

Textbook Question

(b) Which type of intermolecular attractive force operates only between polar molecules?

views

Textbook Question

(c) Which type of intermolecular attractive force operates only between the hydrogen atom of a polar bond and a nearby small electronegative atom?

views

Textbook Question

(b) Which of these kinds of interactions are broken when a liquid is converted to a gas?

views

Textbook Question

Describe the intermolecular forces that must be overcome to convert these substances from a liquid to a gas: (a) SO₂, (b) CH₃COOH, (c) H₂S.

views

Textbook Question

Which type of intermolecular force accounts for each of these differences? (a) CH₃OH boils at 65 °C; CH₃SH boils at 6 °C. (d) Acetone boils at 56 °C, whereas 2-methylpropane boils at -12 °C.

views