Final answer:
Intermolecular forces are electrostatic interactions between molecules, weaker than covalent bonds. They include van der Waals interactions, hydrogen bonding, and dipole-dipole interactions, crucial for the physical properties of substances.
Step-by-step explanation:
Forces referred to in this context are intermolecular forces which are indeed weaker than the covalent bonds within molecules. These electrostatic interactions between molecules include van der Waals interactions, hydrogen bonding, and dipole-dipole interactions. Of these, London dispersion forces or van der Waals forces are the weakest, still crucial for understanding the properties of compounds. The strength of hydrogen bonds, although much weaker than the covalent bonds (approximately 5 to 10%), is generally stronger than other intermolecular forces like dipole-dipole attractions and dispersion forces. Intermolecular forces are responsible for holding molecules together in liquid or solid form and play a significant role during phase transitions without breaking the strong intramolecular covalent bonds.
The subject of this question is Chemistry. The question is referring to intermolecular forces, which are the electrostatic interactions between molecules. These forces are weak compared to covalent bonds and include dipole-dipole interactions, hydrogen bonding, and London dispersion forces.