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Intermolecular Forces

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What is Intermolecular Forces?

Intermolecular forces are the attractive and repulsive forces between molecules that determine physical properties such as boiling point, viscosity, and surface tension. They include London dispersion forces (in all molecules), dipole–dipole interactions (in polar molecules), and hydrogen bonds (in molecules with N–H, O–H, or F–H bonds). Ionic and metallic solids are held together by even stronger interionic or metallic forces.

Key Facts

Term Intermolecular Forces

Frequently Asked Questions

Intermolecular forces are the attractive and repulsive forces between molecules that determine physical properties such as boiling point, viscosity, and surface tension. They include London dispersion forces (in all molecules), dipole–dipole interactions (in polar molecules), and hydrogen bonds (in molecules with N–H, O–H, or F–H bonds). Ionic and metallic solids are held together by even stronger interionic or metallic forces.

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