Which of the following best describes an intramolecular force?

• A. A force that holds atoms together within a molecule, such as covalent or ionic bonds.
• B. A force that causes molecules to evaporate at higher temperatures.
• C. A force responsible for the attraction between ions in a crystal lattice.
• D. A force that occurs between different molecules, such as hydrogen bonding.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definition of intramolecular forces: these are forces that hold atoms together within a single molecule.
2. Recognize that intramolecular forces include covalent bonds (sharing of electrons) and ionic bonds (electrostatic attraction between ions within a molecule or compound).
3. Differentiate intramolecular forces from intermolecular forces, which occur between separate molecules (e.g., hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole interactions).
4. Note that forces responsible for evaporation or attraction between ions in a crystal lattice are not intramolecular forces; evaporation relates to overcoming intermolecular forces, and crystal lattice forces are ionic attractions in solids.
5. Conclude that the best description of an intramolecular force is a force that holds atoms together within a molecule, such as covalent or ionic bonds.