6.3: Intermolecular Forces
- Describe the types of intermolecular forces possible between atoms or molecules in condensed phases (dispersion forces, dipole-dipole attractions, and hydrogen bonding)
Forces between Molecules
Intra molecular forces are those within the molecule that keep the molecule together, for example, the bonds between the atoms. However, there are also forces of attraction that can occur between molecules. Inter molecular forces (IMFs) are the attractions between molecules, which determine many of the physical properties of a substance. Figure \(\PageIndex{4}\) illustrates these different molecular forces. The strengths of these attractive forces vary widely, though usually the IMFs between small molecules are weak compared to the intramolecular forces that bond atoms together within a molecule.