MODULE 1

Intermolecular Forces of Attraction

Lessons:
1.1.1 Intermolecular Forces of Attraction
1.1.2 Liquid
1.1.3 Solid

At the end of the lesson, you are expected to:

1. Describe and differentiate the types of intermolecular forces;

2. Describe the following properties of liquids, and explain the effect of IMF on
these properties: surface tension, viscosity, vapor pressure, boiling point, and
molar heat of vaporization;
3. Predict intermolecular forces for a molecule;

4. Explain the properties of water with its molecular structure and intermolecular
forces; and

5. Use the kinetic molecular model to explain properties of liquids and solids.

UNIVERSITY OF THE EAST -CALOOCAN

STEM-Science Unit HSH 121: General Chemistry
 ACTIVITY

Directions: Identify the process shown in the following diagram.

A. ______________ B. ________________ C. _______________

Why do some matter exist under ordinary conditions as gases, while others are liquids or
solids?
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DISCUSSION

Intermolecular Forces of Attraction

Intermolecular forces of attraction are the interaction that exists between two or more
molecules. Meanwhile, intramolecular forces of attraction are the interactions within a
molecule. Intramolecular forces of attractions are namely covalent, ionic, and metallic bonds.
These bonds are much stronger than intermolecular forces, in which there is only interaction
between a positive side of the molecule and a negative side of the molecule or even just
depending on the side of the molecule in space.

UNIVERSITY OF THE EAST -CALOOCAN

STEM-Science Unit HSH 121: General Chemistry
 Fig 1.1 H-Cl is formed by a strong intramolecular bond while
HCl-HCl is formed by the relatively weaker intermolecular
attraction. The attractions between molecules are not
nearly as strong as the intramolecular attractions that hold
compounds together. They are, however, strong enough to
control physical properties such as boiling and melting
points, vapor pressures, and viscosities.

Types of Intermolecular Forces of Attraction

1. Dipole-dipole Forces
▪ An intermolecular force of attraction that exists between polar molecules. This
attraction usually exists when there is a partially positive region and a partially negative
region in the molecule.
▪ Molecules in a certain substance will tend to orient themselves in the best way that they
will maximize the attraction and minimize the repulsion in each other, forming greater
forces between molecules.
▪ The partially positive region of a molecule will be attracted to the partially negative
region of the other molecule, causing this type of attraction.
▪ Molecules usually have a dipole-dipole moment are hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid,
nitric acid, etc.

(a) (b) (c)

Figure 1.2 (a) Polar molecules tend to have a positive region (partially positive), and a negative region (partially
negative). This is because of the electronegativity difference, in which the electrons are shifting towards the more
electronegative element. (b) In dipole-dipole forces, the molecules tend to reduce the repulsion and maximize the
attraction, causing the molecules to appear in condensed form. (c) An example of molecules that have dipole-
dipole moment is hydrochloric acid (HCl).

UNIVERSITY OF THE EAST -CALOOCAN

STEM-Science Unit HSH 121: General Chemistry
2. Hydrogen bonding
▪ A special type of dipole-dipole moment that exists only to certain compounds.
▪ Hydrogen bonding exists only when a molecule has hydrogen that is attached to a highly
electronegative atom such as nitrogen (N), oxygen (O), and fluorine (F).
▪ Water, ammonia, and alcohols are some examples of molecules that exhibit hydrogen
bonding.
(b)
(a)

Figure 1.3. Some examples of hydrogen bonding. Water exhibits hydrogen bonding towards the same molecules in
a substance (a). Alcohols can interact with water because of the -OH functional group in the said organic molecule.
Thus, this molecule is said to be polar (b).

3. Ion-dipole Forces
▪ An attraction between ions and polar molecules.
▪ One of the main reasons why salts can be easily dissolved in water, a polar molecule.
This is due to the breakage of ions in salts. Hence, ions will interact with water, due to
the intermolecular forces of attraction.
▪ The ion that has higher charges, whether they are cations or anions, can form stronger
intermolecular forces to polar molecules.

Figure 1.4. In ion-dipole (a), the negative region of the molecule

will interact with the cations, and vice-versa. This is the reason
why salts are soluble in water. Generally, the higher the charge
of the ion, the stronger interaction there will be between ion
and dipole molecule

UNIVERSITY OF THE EAST -CALOOCAN

STEM-Science Unit HSH 121: General Chemistry
4. Dispersion Forces
▪ Dispersion forces are the intermolecular forces of attraction that are existing to non-
polar atom/molecules. This is due to the distortion of the positive or negative
charges in the molecule when there is a nearby polar molecule.
▪ This phenomenon is known as the induced dipole, because there will be a separation
of positive and negative charges in non-polar substances.
▪ It depends on the electron distribution in the atoms/molecules, and how they can be
distorted, or also known as the polarizability of the atom/molecule.

4.1. Ion-Induced Dipole Interaction

➢ The attraction between ions and non-polar solvents.
➢ Cations/anions can interact with non-polar substances.

4.2. Dipole-Induced Dipole Interaction

➢ An attraction between polar and non-polar substances.

4.3. London Dispersion Force

➢ An attraction between non-polar to non-polar substances.
➢ Generally, the larger the molecule is, the higher the London dispersion force
can take place.
➢ The weakest intermolecular force of attractions amongst all.

Fig.1.5. Summarizing Intermolecular Forces. The dipole-dipole, induced-dipole, and dispersion forces are also
known as Van der Waal’s (pronounced as “Fan-der-Val’s) forces. Hydrogen bonding is a special and stronger type
of dipole-dipole forces, while ion-dipole forces is NOT a Van der Waal’s forces.

UNIVERSITY OF THE EAST -CALOOCAN

STEM-Science Unit HSH 121: General Chemistry
Intermolecular Forces and Properties of Liquids

General Properties of Liquids

The general properties of liquids are governed by the intermolecular forces of
attractions. There are five general properties of liquids such as viscosity, surface tension, the
heat of vaporization, vapor pressure, and boiling point.

1. Viscosity
▪ Viscosity is the thickness of a liquid, or more scientifically, it is the resistance of a
fluid to resist flow.
▪ One of the main factors, why there are liquids that are more viscous than others, is
because of the high intermolecular force of attraction between molecules present in
that specific substance.
▪ The higher the intermolecular force, the higher the ability of a substance to resist
flow.

Fig. 1.6. The viscosity of the liquid can be attributed to its intermolecular forces of attraction (a). Boiling can be
achieved by having an equal or even greater amount of vapor pressure to the atmospheric pressure (b).

2. Surface Tension
▪ Amount of energy required to stretch a liquid per unit area. It is always seen on the
water, where the amount of the surface area is high in the topmost part, where the
molecules of water are interacting with the atmosphere.
▪ Intermolecular forces take place in water, for example, that makes molecules stick
together.

UNIVERSITY OF THE EAST -CALOOCAN

STEM-Science Unit HSH 121: General Chemistry
 ▪ Capillary action – the ability of water to rise in a narrow tube. This is because of the
interaction between the narrow tube and water, which is having a strong
intermolecular force.
▪ Surface tension decreases as temperature increases.

3. Vapor pressure
▪ It is the pressure exerted by its vapor when it is in equilibrium with solids.
▪ To release the molecule from the liquid substance to the atmosphere, the substance
must possess a greater amount of energy, in terms of heat energy. Thus, it exerts
force to the topmost part of the liquid to release these molecules in the
atmosphere.
▪ Volatile substance – a substance that has a higher vapor pressure. In layman’s term,
it is the substance that can transform from liquid to gas easily.

4. Boiling Point
▪ A point in which the temperature at which the vapor pressure is the same as the
atmospheric pressure of gases surrounding the liquid.
For example, water needs to have 100oC for it to boil. In this case, if the water
reaches its boiling point, the water molecules can transform from the liquid phase to the
gaseous phase more easily because these molecules possess the energy that is needed.
Thus, the vapor pressure at the surface between liquids and the atmospheric pressure
of the gas above it is relatively the same.

Unusual Properties of Water

Water is indeed one of the most unusual molecules in the universe. Water is one of the
precursors of life, that’s why scientists are looking for exoplanets that have water existing in it
because there is a chance that life may exist in the water is present in that planet. But why does
water have peculiar properties?

1. Structure of Water
▪ Water has a geometric shape of bent, having an angle of 104.5 o, and even
scientists are fascinated by how does this molecule becomes bent, even though
other molecules like H2S or even CO2, that has a high molecular mass, but is linear
in nature.
▪ This bent shape of water contributes to the different properties of the said
molecule, which results in unusual properties of matter.

UNIVERSITY OF THE EAST -CALOOCAN

STEM-Science Unit HSH 121: General Chemistry
 Fig. 2.1 The molecular geometry of water (bent) this shape
contributes to the uneven distribution of positive and negative
charges in a molecule, providing a partially positive and partially
negative side of H2O. Other molecules like H2S and CO2 have an
equal distribution of elections, causing a neutral molecule.

2. Intermolecular Forces of Attraction of Water

▪ As we all know, water is capable of hydrogen bonding, one of the strongest
intermolecular forces of attraction. This can contribute to the different properties of
water.
Properties of Water

1. Boiling point and Freezing Point

▪ The boiling point and freezing point of water is much higher than other compounds
like CO2, H2S, and H2Te. This is because water has a strong IMFA, causing the water
molecule to stick together unlike other compounds mentioned. Also, with the freezing
point, water has a higher freezing point than other compounds mentioned, and CO 2,
H2S, and H2Te are ALL gas at room temperature.

2. Surface tension
▪ Also, because of the hydrogen bonding, water has a high surface tension because of
its hydrogen bonding.

3. Viscosity
▪ If we compare the viscosity of water and honey, then the honey has a higher viscosity
than water. But if we will look closely, honey is composed of different molecules than
water. If we will compare water to different compounds like CO2, H2S, H2Te, and even
some solvents that are relatively polar like alcohols, ketones, and carboxylic acid with
molecular weight almost the same with water, the viscosity of water is high.

UNIVERSITY OF THE EAST -CALOOCAN

STEM-Science Unit HSH 121: General Chemistry
4. Phases of Water
▪ Water in solid form is ice, a peculiar substance on its own. Most of the liquids that
turn into solids, the density becomes higher because as we all know, solid in general
have higher density in liquids. One thing that is peculiar in ice is that it can float in
liquid water. Meaning, the ice is lighter and less dense than water. But why?

▪ Water molecules can form an organized molecule if the temperature starts to drop at
around 4oC. These organized fashion of arrangement between molecules create much
more space than when it is in liquid form, making the whole substance less compact
thus, less dense.

▪ Water in the liquid itself is peculiar. Because no other substance has is liquid with low
molecular mass, and also lacks in carbon. This is because water can form a network
with other water molecules, grasping one another, and making the molecule escape
in the system.

▪ Water to be in a gaseous state needs the molecule to have higher kinetic energy for
hydrogen bonds to be broken.

Solids

Fig.2.2.The allotropes of carbon,

diamond, and graphite, and their
molecular structures.

Why do you think they differ

in properties, although they
are made up of the same
element?

UNIVERSITY OF THE EAST -CALOOCAN

STEM-Science Unit HSH 121: General Chemistry
Solids are the type of matter that has a definite shape and volume. Solids also have two types,
amorphous and crystalline solids.
▪ Amorphous solids are solids with a random arrangement of molecules in an object.

▪ Solids have a more sophisticated arrangement of molecules in an object.

▪ In terms of melting points, amorphous solids do not have sharp boiling points, while
crystalline solids have sharp, exact boiling points.

Fig. 2.3. Examples of molecular structure of

amorphous and crystalline solids.

Types of Crystalline Solids

1. Metallic Crystalline Solids

▪ Crystalline solids that occur in metallic minerals like copper and iron.
▪ A metallic bond exists in these kinds of crystalline solids
▪ Examples: Copper, gold, iron.

2. Ionic Crystalline Solids

▪ Crystalline solids are made up of cations and anions held up together by
electrostatic interactions.
▪ Ionic bonds are prevalent in these kinds of solids.
▪ Examples: Sodium chloride, potassium chloride

3. Molecular Crystalline Solids

▪ Can either be elements or compound that are interacting with each other via the
London Dispersion Forces, dipole-dipole, or hydrogen bonding.
▪ Element: Iodine; Compound: ice (water), dry ice (CO2).

4. Covalent Crystalline Solids

▪ Crystalline solids are bonded using covalent bonds, forming a sophisticated
arrangement of molecules.
▪ Examples: Diamond

UNIVERSITY OF THE EAST -CALOOCAN

STEM-Science Unit HSH 121: General Chemistry
 Fig.2.4. The different
allotropes of minerals.
Silicon dioxide has two
allotropes, the quartz (a)
that has a sophisticated
arrangement of molecules,
glass, on the other hand, has
random arrangements (b).
Diamond (c) is a priced
mineral because of its luster,
but the thing is it is also
made up of carbon just like
graphite (d), but with a
different arrangement of
atoms.

SYNTHESIS

Intermolecular forces of attraction are one of the reasons why different molecules interact
with other molecules. This is also one of the reasons why life is feasible to Earth. Watch
the short clip, link provided below and answer the following questions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfWISJ4gUNI

Guide Questions:

1. What are the driving forces why molecules tend to interact with each other?
2. Specify at least three molecular forces.
3. What is the force that makes non-polar molecules attracted to each other?

OUTPUT
A. State at least two (2) unusual properties of matter and how does it apply in our everyday
lives?

UNIVERSITY OF THE EAST -CALOOCAN

STEM-Science Unit HSH 121: General Chemistry
 B. Matching Type

Direction: Match column A to column B

Column A Column B

1. HCl a. Hydrogen bonding

2. NH3 b. Surface tension
3. Viscosity c. Polar-polar interaction
4. London Dispersion Forces d. Weakest interaction
5. Ion-dipole e. Strongest interaction
f. Dipole-dipole interaction
g. Induced dipole interaction

VALUES
In this time of the pandemic, we are advised to keenly observe proper hygiene. One of the
basic personal hygiene habits is to bathe regularly and hand-washing. Why do you think it is
always advised to use soap and water when it's available?

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References:

[1] Bauer, R. C., Birk, J. P, & Marks, P. S. (2006). A Conceptual Introduction to Chemistry. New York: McGraw-Hill Education.
[2] Bookstaver, J. D. (2006). Intermolecular Forces, Liquids and Solids retrieved from
https://www.peoriapublicschools.org/cms/lib/IL01001530/Centricity/Domain/462/ppt.intermolecular%20bonding%202016.pdf
[3]Brown, T. L., Le May, E. H., & Burdge, J. R. (2003). Chemistry the Central Science 9th Edition. Pearson Education, Inc.
[4] Chang, R. and Goldsby, K. (2014). Chemistry. 11th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Education.
[5] Oregano, V.G., Villanueva D. U. (2018). General Chemistry 2. Oxford University Press

UNIVERSITY OF THE EAST -CALOOCAN

STEM-Science Unit HSH 121: General Chemistry