Which forces can be classified as intramolecular? London dispersion forces van der Waals forces hydrogen bonds covalent bonds
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: Covalent bonds
Explanation:
Intramolecular forces are the forces that hold atoms together within a single molecule. These forces are responsible for the chemical bonding between atoms and determine the molecule’s structure and identity. One of the most common types of intramolecular force is the covalent bond. Covalent bonds form when two atoms share one or more pairs of electrons in order to achieve greater stability, often by filling their outer electron shells. These bonds occur within molecules, such as in a water molecule (H₂O), where each hydrogen atom shares electrons with the oxygen atom.
In contrast, London dispersion forces, van der Waals forces, and hydrogen bonds are classified as intermolecular forces. These are forces of attraction that occur between molecules, not within them.
London dispersion forces are the weakest intermolecular forces and arise due to temporary fluctuations in the electron distribution within molecules, leading to temporary dipoles. These forces are present in all molecules but are especially significant in nonpolar substances.
Van der Waals forces is a general term that includes both London dispersion forces and dipole-dipole interactions. These forces help explain the physical properties of molecular compounds, such as boiling and melting points.
Hydrogen bonds are stronger intermolecular forces that occur when hydrogen is bonded to highly electronegative elements like nitrogen, oxygen, or fluorine. Though hydrogen bonding involves atoms within molecules, the actual hydrogen bond is the attraction between a hydrogen atom on one molecule and an electronegative atom on a different molecule, making it intermolecular.
Therefore, among the forces listed, only covalent bonds are intramolecular, as they directly involve bonding between atoms inside a molecule. The others are all intermolecular forces that govern interactions between separate molecules
