Question

What would be the predominant state of matter if there were no intermolecular forces?

Answer 1

Without intermolecular forces, matter would predominantly exist in the gaseous state where particles move freely and are far apart. A substance with strong intermolecular forces and a high melting point that is not easily compressed would be a solid.

Step-by-step explanation:

If there were no intermolecular forces, the predominant state of matter would be the gas state. In this state, particles are far apart and have negligible interactions due to the great distance between them. A substance that has relatively strong intermolecular forces, a high melting point, and is not easily compressed will typically be in a solid state. The intermolecular forces in a solid hold the particles closely, limiting their motion to small vibrations around fixed positions. This results in a state of matter that has a definite shape and volume, and is characterized by its rigidity and lack of compressibility.

Answer 2

Stronger Intermolecular forces (greater attractions) hold molecules together better. Meaning the molecules don't want to leave whatever liquid they are part of. for example, chloroform(the knock out gas), which has only weak intermolecular forces evaporates very quickly at room temp. However, water which participates in H-bonding, strong intermolecular forces, evaporates slowly at room temp. The colder a liquid is, the harder it is for the molecules to overcome their intermolecular bonds and break free. a.k.a. slow evaporation. but when a liquid is heated the molecules have enough energy to overcome their brotherly bonds and go into the gas phase.