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

• A. Intermolecular forces occur between molecules, while intramolecular forces occur within a molecule.
• B. Intramolecular forces are responsible for boiling points, while intermolecular forces hold atoms together in a molecule.
• C. Intermolecular forces only exist in ionic compounds, while intramolecular forces exist in covalent compounds.
• D. Intermolecular forces are stronger than intramolecular forces.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the definitions of intermolecular and intramolecular 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 that occur between separate molecules, such as hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole interactions, and London dispersion forces.
3. Step 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 a molecule.
4. Step 4: Understand the effects of these forces: intramolecular forces determine the chemical identity and structure of a molecule, while intermolecular forces influence physical properties like boiling points, melting points, and solubility.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the best description is that intermolecular forces occur between molecules, while intramolecular forces occur within a molecule.