10-1-intermolecular-forces_glossary

The electrostatic force between the partially positive end of one polar molecule and the partially negative end of another.

A particularly strong type of dipole-dipole attraction that occurs when a molecule contains a hydrogen atom bonded to a highly electronegative atom (F, O, or N).

A dipole created in a neighboring atom or molecule due to the presence of an instantaneous dipole.

A temporary dipole that forms in an atom or molecule due to the asymmetrical distribution of electrons at a particular moment.

The various forces of attraction that may exist between the atoms and molecules of a substance due to electrostatic phenomena. These forces hold particles close together.

Forces within a molecule that keep the molecule together (e.g., covalent bonds).

The energy of motion of particles. Higher KE allows particles to overcome attractive forces and increase the distance between them.

A type of van der Waals force present in all condensed phases, resulting from temporary, instantaneous dipoles in atoms or molecules. Also called dispersion force.

Changes of state (e.g., solid to liquid, liquid to gas).

A measure of how easily an electrostatic charge can distort a molecule's charge distribution (electron cloud). Higher polarizability means stronger dispersion forces.