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SHS

PHYSICAL SCIENCE
QUARTER 1 – MODULE 3

ATTRACTION BETWEEN US!

(Intermolecular Forces of Nature)
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SHS Core Subject – Grade 11/12

Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 3 – Module 3: Intermolecular Forces of Nature
First Edition, 2021

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What I Need to Know

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you master
the field of Physical Sciences. The scope of this module permits it to be used in many
different learning situations. The language used recognizes the diverse vocabulary
level of students. The lessons are arranged to follow the standard sequence of the
course. But the order in which you read them can be changed to correspond with the
textbook you are now using.

The module has two lessons, namely:

 Lesson 1 – Intermolecular Forces

 Lesson 2 – Properties of Substances in Relation to Intermolecular Forces

After going through this module, you are expected to:

MELCs:
1. Describe the general types of intermolecular forces (S11/12PS-IIIc-d-17); and
2. Explain the effect of intermolecular forces on the properties of substances.
(S11/12PS-IIId-e-19)

Specific objectives:
a. Explain the general types of intermolecular forces;
b. Determine the different types of intermolecular forces in different substances;
and
c. Relate the intermolecular forces of substances to their properties.
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Lesson

1 Intermolecular Forces

It is important that you can recognize whether a molecule in a substance is

polar or non-polar because this will determine what type of intermolecular forces there
are. It is also important in explaining the properties of the substance.
A simple review was prepared for you to refresh your mind. Let’s begin!

What’s New

Going through this lesson will help you understand the different intermolecular
forces of attraction. You will also learn from this module that the type of
intermolecular forces present in the substance is responsible for its properties. But
first, let us determine the difference between intramolecular forces and intermolecular
forces.
Bonding forces (ionic, covalent, and metallic bonds) are classified as
intramolecular forces, forces that hold atoms together in a molecule. In contrast,
intermolecular forces are attractions that occur between molecules. Intramolecular
forces are many times stronger than intermolecular forces of attraction. Intermolecular
forces are responsible for the condensed phases of substances.

Read to Learn: General Types of Intermolecular Forces

Intermolecular forces are attractive forces that operate between molecules.
They arise from the interaction of positive and
negative charges. Intermolecular forces are much
weaker than intramolecular in terms of energy
involved. However, intermolecular forces are
responsible for the properties of molecules. These
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explain why substance exists as solid, liquid, or gas at room temperature. The
following are the types of intermolecular forces.

Ion-Dipole Forces

Ion-dipole forces exist between an ion (charged particles) and a dipole (polar)
molecule. A positive ion will be attracted to the negative pole of the polar molecule,
while a negative ion will be attracted to the positive pole of the polar molecule. This
can be seen when NaCl dissolves in water. The ions of NaCl (Na + and Cl-) become
separated. Since water is a polar molecule, it has a partially positive end and a partial
negative end. Thus, the positive sodium ion (Na+) will be attracted to the partially
negative end of the water molecule, while the Fig. 1. Ion-dipole forces in a sodium chloride
solution.
negative chloride ion (Cl-) will also be attracted Source: https://chemistrybytes.com

to the partially positive end of the water

molecule (See figure 1).

Dipole-Dipole Forces

Dipole-dipole forces are attractive

forces that occur between polar molecules.
The partially positive end of one molecule
attracts the partially negative ends of other
molecules. An example is hydrogen chloride Fig. 2. Dipole-Dipole forces among HCl Molecule
Source: https://www.emedicalprep.com
(HCl) which has a partially positive
hydrogen atom and a partially negative chlorine atom. A collection of many
hydrogen chloride molecules will align themselves so that the oppositely charged
regions of neighboring molecules are near each other (see figure 2).

Hydrogen Bonds

A hydrogen bond is a special type of dipole-

dipole force between polar molecules having an H
atom covalently bonded to a highly electronegative
atom (O, N, or F) with lone electron pairs. Hydrogen
tends to be strongly positive due to the strong

Fig. 3. Hydrogen bond in water

Source:
https://ib.bioninja.com.au/standard-level/topic-2-
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tendencies of F, O, or N to attract the electron towards it. The highly electronegative

elements make hydrogen strongly positive.
The ability of water to form H-bond relates to its ability as a universal
solvent. H-bond prevents the water from evaporating quickly into the atmosphere. It
also causes ice to float in water since, at freezing temperature, water molecules
tend to form a crystal lattice as it expands.

London Dispersion Forces

London Dispersion Force is present in all molecules. It is the only force

present in nonpolar molecules. Although it is very weak and acts in very small
distances, they are strong enough to cause substances normally found as gases, to
liquefy at high pressures or low temperatures. London dispersion forces tend to be
stronger in a larger atom or molecule.

Dispersion force is formed due to the attraction between the positively

charged nucleus of an atom with the negatively charged electron cloud of a nearby
atom. For example, the electron cloud of a helium atom contains two electrons,
and, when averaged over time, these electrons will distribute themselves evenly
around the nucleus. However, at any given moment, the electron distribution may
be uneven, resulting in an instantaneous dipole. This weak and temporary dipole
can subsequently influence neighboring helium atoms through electrostatic
attraction and repulsion resulting in the formation of another temporary dipole
called an induced dipole.

Fig. 4. London dispersion force in Helium

Source: https://byjus.com/chemistry/london-dispersion-forces/

So, did you understand the discussion? Let us have another activity to further
understand the lesson.
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Lesson Properties of Substances in

2 Relation to Intermolecular
Forces
The types of intermolecular forces that occur in a substance will affect its
properties due to its varying strengths. You should remember from the kinetic theory
of matter that the phase of a substance is determined by how strong the forces are
between its particles. The weaker the forces, the more likely the substance is to exist
as a gas. This is because the particles can move far apart since they are not held
together very strongly. If the
forces are very strong, the
particles are held closely together
in a solid structure. The relative
strength of intermolecular forces
is illustrated in Fig. 5.

What is It

Read to Learn: Properties of Substances in Relation to

Intermolecular Forces

Enumerated and discussed below are the properties of substances that are
related to the intermolecular forces.
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Surface Tension
Surface tension is a phenomenon caused by cohesive forces (intermolecular
forces) between molecules allowing liquids to create a thin film on its surface. This
causes liquids to acquire a certain shape when put on a container or dropped on
surfaces.
Molecules within a liquid experience force of attraction equally in all directions.
However, there are no forces above the surface of the liquid, but there are normal
forces below. Because of this imbalance, forces of attraction tend to pull molecules
toward the interior of the liquid. This creates surface tension. Stronger intermolecular
force equates to stronger surface tension.

Boiling and Melting Point

Boiling Point is the temperature at which the vapor pressure of the liquid is
equal to the applied pressure on the liquid.
Melting Point is the temperature at which a substance begins to change from
solid to liquid.
In general, substances with weak intermolecular forces will have low melting
and boiling points while those with strong intermolecular forces will have high melting
and boiling points. The strong intermolecular force of the substance holds the
molecules tightly thus making the bond hard to evaporate and boil. Remember also
that the temperature of a material affects the energy of its particles. The more energy
the particles have, the more likely they are to be able to overcome the forces that are
holding them together. This can cause a change in phase.

Vapor Pressure
Vapor pressure is a measure of the tendency of a material to change into the
gaseous or vapor state, and it increases with temperature. A liquid with weak
intermolecular forces will evaporate easily thus, has a higher vapor pressure while
liquid with strong IMF will not easily evaporate thus will have a lower vapor pressure.

Viscosity
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Viscosity is the resistance of a liquid to flow. The more viscous a liquid is the
thicker its consistency. In layman's term, it is the measure of the thickness of a liquid.
In general, stronger intermolecular forces leads to higher viscosity.

After knowing the relative strength and properties of intermolecular forces, I

think you are now ready to answer the next activity. So, let’s begin!