Properties of Substances in Relation to Intermolecular Force

From the previous discussion and the experiment, certain properties relating to intermolecular properties were
discussed, namely:
- boiling point
- melting point
- surface tension

• Boiling point - solutions with stronger intermolecular forces (IMF) have higher boiling points than
solutions with weaker intermolecular forces. The solutions with stronger IMF holds it molecules together
stronger hence making it harder for the solution to evaporate and eventually boil.
• Surface tension - this is a phenomenon wherein a liquid creates a seemingly thin film on its surface.
The stronger the IMF, the stronger is its surface tension.
• Capillary action - this is the ability of fluids to rise in narrow tubes. The IMF between the surface of the
tube and the liquid allows the liquid to rise provided that the IMF between the surface and the liquid is
stronger than the cohesive forces within the liquid.
• Convex and concave meniscus - a convex meniscus is formed when the cohesive forces within a liquid
is stronger than the adhesive forces between the liquid and the surface of the container. Concave
meniscus on the other hand is the opposite wherein the adhesive forces is stronger than the cohesive
forces. The cohesive and adhesive forces are both due to IMF.
• Viscosity - this is the measure a liquid’s resistance to flow. Generally, the stronger is the IMF in the
liquid the more viscous it is.

Property Phenomena / Discussion

Surface tension Experiment with the jar with wire mesh and water
not spilling over despite being tipped over
A phenomenon caused by cohesive forces
completely. This is due to Hbonding.
(intermolecular forces) between molecules allowing
liquids to create a thin film on its surface. This causes Paper clips in the water experiment.
liquids to acquire a certain shape when put on a
Certain insects or reptiles being able to walk/ glide
container or dropped on surfaces.
over water. (water striders, fisher spiders, basilisk
In a container, the bulk of a liquid has a balance of lizard).
intermolecular forces in all direction. There is a net
inward force on the surface since there are no liquids
there. This creates surface tension. Stronger
intermolecular bonds equates to stronger surface
tension.

Viscosity The liquid with the longest time is the most viscous
while the one with the shortest time is the least
Viscosity is the resistance of a liquid to flow. The more
viscous. The most viscous liquid has the stronger
viscous a liquid is the thicker its consistency. In
intermolecular force and the least viscous liquid has
layman’s term it is the measure of the thickness of a
the weakest intermolecular force.
liquid.
 In general, stronger intermolecular forces leads to
higher viscosity.
Increased H-bonding, like in glycerine, results to higher
viscosity. Higher surface area or increasing molecular
size also results to greater viscosity due to greater
dispersion forces.

Capillary action How does trees bring nutrients up to its leaves?

A phenomenon wherein a liquid is able to rise up on a the plant/ tree that act as straws that bring nutrients
narrow tube. up to the tree. This process is a combination of
capillary action and osmosis.
Adhesive forces between the tube and the liquid allow
the liquid to exceed its weight.
The narrower the tube, the higher the liquid will reach.

Evaporation / vaporization Have the learners recall the meaning of evaporation

Evaporation is the process of turning liquid into gaseous
form. Weaker intermolecular forces equates to greater
volatility.
or vaporization.
Learners may hypothesize the effect of
intermolecular forces on this property. Ask them to
determine the effect of intermolecular forces on the
rate of evaporation of a substance based on what
they have learned so far. Encourage them to give
real life examples

Formation of meniscus

Concave meniscus Alcohol thermometer is normally available in a

Occurs when there is stronger adhesive force between
the container and the liquid than the liquid’s molecules.
The adhesive force overcomes the cohesive force of
the liquid. This causes the liquid to climb up the sides
of the container.
Convex meniscus
Occurs when there is stronger cohesive force between
the liquid’s molecules than the adhesive force between
the liquid and the container. This causes the liquid to
create a dome shape on its surface.
chemical laboratory class but since mercury is toxic,
just show the class a picture or video of mercury to
explain convex meniscus.
Compare and contrast adhesion and cohesion, and
concave and convex meniscus as seen in the
examples above.
Adhesion - interaction between different materials
touching each other e.g. Tape and paper, skin and
glass, etc.
Cohesion - interaction between same materials

Evaporation – vaporization that takes place only on the surface on the liquid
Boiling – when a liquid changes to a gas BELOW its surface as well as above