Question

Define the following terms

a) Intermolecular spaces.

b) Intermolecular force of attraction

Answer 1

a. Intermolecular spaces:

• The space present between the particles of matter is known as intermolecular spaces or interparticle spaces.
• Intermolecular spaces are maximum in gases and minimum in solids. In liquids, it is more than solids and less than gases.

b. Intermolecular force of attraction:

• The attraction forces present between the particles of matter are known as the intermolecular forces of attraction.
• More the intermolecular force of attraction less is the intermolecular spaces between them and particles are tightly packed while less is the intermolecular force of attraction more is the intermolecular spaces between them and particles are loosely held with each other.
• So, solids have a strong intermolecular force of attraction as compared to liquid and gases thus solids have a definite shape while in gases, the intermolecular force of attraction is weak so particles are far apart from each other and hence they do not have a definite shape and volume