Question

Define the following terms (with examples):

Intermolecular force

Answer 1

• Intermolecular is made up of two words - Inter (means between two) and molecules.
• The molecules of matter are always in motion and attract each other with a force, and this force is called the intermolecular force of attraction due to which they are held together.
• Solids have maximum intermolecular forces of attraction while gases have minimum intermolecular forces of attraction.
• This is because in solids the particles are arranged closely due to which these particles experience a greater attractive force while in gases the particles are arranged far apart due to which these particles experience a lesser attractive force.