Question

Why so many intermolecular forces?

I was recently learning about intramolecular and intermolecular forces. It seems there are a variety of interactions ( Dipole-Dipole. Ion-Dipole etc ). Why must this be the case? Couldn't all chemical species just interact in the same manner. I feel like this would be more intuitive.

Answer 1

Intermolecular forces are electrostatic interactions between molecules, and there are three major types of intermolecular interactions: dipole-dipole interactions, London dispersion forces, and hydrogen bonds.

Step-by-step explanation:

Intermolecular forces are electrostatic in nature and include van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonds. Molecules in liquids are held to other molecules by intermolecular interactions, which are weaker than the intramolecular interactions that hold the atoms together within molecules and polyatomic ions.

The three major types of intermolecular interactions are dipole-dipole interactions, London dispersion forces, and hydrogen bonds. Dipole-dipole interactions arise from the electrostatic interactions of the positive and negative ends of molecules with permanent dipole moments.

London dispersion forces are due to the formation of temporary dipoles in molecules. Hydrogen bonds are especially strong dipole-dipole interactions between molecules that have hydrogen bonded to a highly electronegative atom.