Which statement best describes the difference between intermolecular forces and intramolecular forces?

• A. Intramolecular forces occur only in ionic compounds, while intermolecular forces occur only in covalent compounds.
• B. Intermolecular forces are stronger than intramolecular forces in all substances.
• C. Intermolecular forces are responsible for chemical bonding, while intramolecular forces are responsible for physical properties like boiling point.
• D. Intermolecular forces are the forces of attraction between molecules, while intramolecular forces are the forces that hold atoms together within a molecule.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the definitions of the two types of forces. Intramolecular forces are the forces that hold atoms together within a molecule, such as covalent bonds or ionic bonds.
2. Step 2: Recognize that intermolecular forces are the forces of attraction between separate molecules, which influence physical properties like boiling point, melting point, and vapor pressure.
3. Step 3: Note that intramolecular forces are generally much stronger than intermolecular forces because they involve the actual chemical bonds within molecules.
4. Step 4: Realize that intermolecular forces do not involve the formation or breaking of chemical bonds but rather weaker attractions like hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole interactions, and London dispersion forces.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the best description differentiates these forces by their location and role: intramolecular forces hold atoms together inside molecules, while intermolecular forces act between molecules.