Why are Intermolecular Forces Important? Intermolecular forces play a role in determining the physical properties of a substance (e.g.- melting point & solubility).
Types of Intermolecular Forces (Strongest to Weakest) I. H-bonds Found in polar substances where H is bonded to O, N, or F.
Importance of H-Bonds DNA replication & protein synthesis.
Transpiration-Cohesion Theory
Respirators
Density of Ice < Density of Water
II. Dipole-Dipole forces Found in polar substances where H is NOT bonded to O, N, or F.
III. London forces F ound in ALL molecular substances. London forces become stronger as molecular size increases. Therefore, candle wax (C 25 H 52 ) is a solid even though it is nonpolar & only has London forces.
The Effect of Intermolecular Forces on the Boiling Point of Molecular Compounds