What are the different types of intermolecular forces?

There are three types of intermolecular forces; 1. Van der Waal forces 2. Dipole-dipole forces 3. Hydrogen bonding Van der waals are the weakest and hydrogen bonding is the strongest. Van der Waal forces exist between all molecules in the universe. They are a weak electrostatic force and they are caused by the movement of charge within a molecule. Remember that electrons are negativly charged and always moving because they are going around the nucleus. Van der Waal forces are the electrostatic forces between the temporary charges of a molecule. Dipole-dipole intermolecular forces are electrostatic forces between two permenantly polar molecules. Hydrogen bonding is the stongest type of intermolecular force and it is the electrostatic bond between a Hydrogen on one molecule and on Oxygen (or Nitrogen) on another molecule.

IM
Answered by Iona M. Chemistry tutor

19408 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the geometry of a BF3 molecule?


Which has a lower boiling point chlorine or bromine, and why?


Explain the unusually high boiling point of HF


How does the electronegativity of the halogen atom change as group 7 is descended?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning