Molecules are held together by intermolecular forces
Why?
The word "intermolecular" means "between molecules", and the intermolecular forces are the ones that hold a set of molecules together. The strength of these intermolecular forces will determine properties like the melting point, or the boiling point of a substance.
Some different types of intermolecular forces, in decreasing order of strength, are listed below:
- Ionic forces (Ion-Ion)
- Hydrogen bonding (H-Electronegative element)
- Permanent Dipole-Permanent Dipole (Polar-Polar)
- Permanent Dipole-Induced Dipole (Polar-Apolar)
- Dispersion Forces (Apolar-Apolar)
Have a nice day!
