Which of the following best describes the difference between intramolecular forces and intermolecular forces?

• A. Intramolecular forces are responsible for phase changes, while intermolecular forces determine molecular geometry.
• B. Intermolecular forces involve ionic bonds, while intramolecular forces involve hydrogen bonds.
• C. Intramolecular forces occur within a molecule, holding atoms together; intermolecular forces occur between molecules, affecting how they interact with each other.
• D. Intramolecular forces are generally weaker than intermolecular forces.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that intramolecular forces are the forces that hold atoms together within a single molecule. These include covalent bonds, ionic bonds, and metallic bonds, which are responsible for the molecule's structure and stability.
2. Recognize that intermolecular forces are forces that occur between separate molecules. These forces influence how molecules attract or repel each other and affect physical properties like boiling point, melting point, and solubility.
3. Note that intramolecular forces are generally much stronger than intermolecular forces because they involve the sharing or transfer of electrons to form chemical bonds within molecules.
4. Identify that intermolecular forces include hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole interactions, and London dispersion forces, which are weaker than intramolecular bonds but crucial for phase changes and molecular interactions.
5. Conclude that the key difference is that intramolecular forces hold atoms together inside a molecule, while intermolecular forces act between molecules, influencing their physical behavior and interactions.