1.4.1

Simple Covalent Molecules

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Intermolecular Forces and Molecule Structure

The size of a molecule affects the overall strength of intermolecular forces. The strength of intermolecular forces affects the properties of a molecule.

Small molecules

Small molecules

  • Small molecules have weak intermolecular forces. This means that they have low melting and boiling points.
  • Because of this, they are often liquids or gases at room temperature.
  • Small molecules don't contain delocalised electrons. Because of this, they cannot conduct electricity.
Chlorine - example of a small molecule

Chlorine - example of a small molecule

  • Cl2 (the diatomic molecule of chlorine) is a small molecule with weak intermolecular forces between its molecules.
  • It is a gas at room temperature.
Bigger molecules

Bigger molecules

  • Bigger molecules attract other molecules with stronger intermolecular forces. This means that they have higher melting and boiling points than small molecules.
  • Don't contain delocalised electrons, and so can't conduct electricity.
Sucrose - example of a bigger molecule

Sucrose - example of a bigger molecule

  • Sucrose is made of 45 atoms and has the formula C12H22O11.
  • Although it is a simple molecule, its size means that its intermolecular forces are strong enough for it to be solid at room temperature.
Jump to other topics
1

Physical Chemistry

1.1

Atoms, Molecules & Stoichiometry

1.2

Atomic Structure

1.3

Chemical Bonding

1.4

States of Matter

1.5

Chemical Energetics

1.6

Electrochemistry

1.7

Equilibria

1.8

Partition Coefficient

1.9

Reaction Kinetics

2

Inorganic Chemistry

3

Organic Chemistry & Analysis

3.1

Introduction to Organic Chemistry

3.2

Hydrocarbons

3.3

Halogen Derivatives

3.4

Hydroxy Compounds

3.5

Carbonyl Compounds

3.6

Carboxylic Acids & Derivatives

3.7

Nitrogen Compounds

3.8

Polymerisation

3.9

Analytical Techniques

3.10

Organic Synthesis

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