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Intermolecular Forces

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Intermolecular forces (IMFs) are attractions between molecules that determine physical properties like boiling point, vapor pressure, viscosity, and solubility. London dispersion forces (LDF) arise from temporary dipoles and exist in all molecules.

Dipole-dipole forces occur between polar molecules. Hydrogen bonding is a strong dipole-dipole force involving H bonded to N, O, or F. Ion-dipole forces are strongest in aqueous solutions. This topic covers IMF types, their effect on physical properties, phase diagrams, solutions, and colligative properties for AP Chemistry Unit 3.

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Curriculum alignment— Standards-aligned

Grade level

Grades 9-12College+

Learning objectives

  • Identify London dispersion, dipole-dipole, and hydrogen bonding forces from molecular structure
  • Relate intermolecular forces to boiling point, vapor pressure, viscosity, and solubility
  • Interpret phase diagrams and predict phase transitions at given T and P
  • Calculate colligative properties including boiling point elevation and freezing point depression
  • Explain separation of mixtures using differences in intermolecular forces

Recommended Resources

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Books

Chemistry: The Central Science

by Brown, LeMay, Bursten, Murphy

Intermolecular and Surface Forces

by Israelachvili

Courses

AP Chemistry

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