Intermolecular Forces and Properties

Emily Wilson
14 min read
Listen to this study note
Study Guide Overview
This AP Chemistry Unit 3 study guide covers intermolecular forces (LDFs, dipole-dipole, hydrogen bonding, ion-dipole), properties of solids (amorphous, crystalline), states of matter (solid, liquid, gas), the ideal gas law, kinetic molecular theory, deviations from the ideal gas law, solutions and mixtures (including molarity and dilutions), representations and separation of solutions, solubility, spectroscopy and the electromagnetic spectrum, the photoelectric effect, and the Beer-Lambert Law. It emphasizes the relationship between intermolecular forces and properties of matter.
#AP Chemistry Unit 3: Intermolecular Forces & Properties ๐งช
Hey there, future AP Chem superstar! ๐ Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of intermolecular forces, states of matter, gases, and solutions. This unit is a BIG one, making up 18-22% of your exam, but it's also super relevant to everyday life. Let's make sure you're totally prepped! ๐
This unit is worth 18-22% of the exam, making it a high-priority area of study. Focus on understanding the relationship between intermolecular forces and the properties of matter.
#๐ Unit Overview
- 3.1 Intermolecular Forces
- 3.2 Properties of Solids
- 3.3 Solids, Liquids, and Gases
- 3.4 Ideal Gas Law
- 3.5 Kinetic Molecular Theory
- 3.6 Deviation from Ideal Gas Law
- 3.7 Solutions and Mixtures
- 3.8 Representations of Solutions
- 3.9 Separation of Solutions and Mixtures
- 3.10 Solubility
- 3.11 Spectroscopy and the Electromagnetic Spectrum
- 3.12 Photoelectric Effect
- 3.13 Beer-Lambert Law
- Unit 3 Key Vocabulary
- Final Exam Focus
- Practice Questions
#3.1 Intermolecular Forces
Okay, let's talk about forces! But not the Star Wars kind. ๐ We're talking about intermolecular forces (IMFs), which are the attractions between molecules, not within them (that's intramolecular forces). Think of it like this: IMFs are like the friendships between people, while intramolecular forces are like the bonds within a family. ๐ค
Key Point: Intermolecular forces (IMFs) are the attractions between molecules, while intramolecular forces are the bonds within molecules. Understanding this distinction is crucial.
Here's a quick rundown of the major IMFs, from weakest to strongest:
- London Dispersion Forces (LDFs): The weakest IMF, present in ALL molecules. They're temporary and caused by the movement of electrons, creating temporary dipoles. Think of it like a fleeting moment of attraction. โจ
- Dipole-Dipole Interactions: Stronger than LDFs, these occur in polar molecules due to permanent dipoles. It's like a stronger, more consistent attraction between two magnets. ๐งฒ
- Hydrogen Bonding: A special type of dipole-dipole interaction that's super strong. It only happens when H is bonded to F, O, or N. Think of it as the VIP of IMFs. ๐ช
- Ion-Dipole Interactions: The strongest IMF, but it only occurs in mixtures of ionic compounds and polar molecules. It's like a super strong magnet attracting a bunch of smaller magnets. ๐ฅ
Memory Aid: Remember the order of IMF strength: LDFs < Dipole-dipole < Hydrogen bonding < Ion-dipole. Think Little Dogs Hate Iguanas.
#Image Courtesy of Clutch Prep
#3.2 Properties of Solids
Time to get solid! (Pun intended ๐) Solids come in two main flavors:
- Amorphous Solids: These guys are disorganized, with no repeating pattern. Think of them like a messy pile of clothes. ๐
- Crystalline Solids: These have a highly ordered, repeating structure. Think of them like a perfectly stacked set of books. ๐
In AP Chem, we're mostly focused on crystalline solids. Here are the main types:
- Metallic Solids: Held together by metallic bonds (delocalized electrons). Think of metals like copper or gold. ๐ช
- Ionic Solids: Held together by ionic bonds (attraction between positive and negative ions). Think of table salt (NaCl). ๐ง
- Molecular Solids: Held together by IMFs. Think of ice (H2O). ๐ง
- Covalent Network Solids: Held together by covalent bonds in a continuous network. Think of diamond (C). ๐
#3.3 Solids, Liquids, and Gases
Let's zoom out and look at the three states of matter:
- Solids: Have a fixed shape and volume because their particles are tightly packed and have strong IMFs. Think of a brick. ๐งฑ
- Liquids: Have a fixed volume but can change shape because their particles are close but can move past each other (fluidity). They also exhibit surface tension, capillary action, and viscosity. Think of water. ๐ง
- Gases: Have neither a fixed shape nor volume because their particles are far apart and have weak IMFs. They're compressible and can expand to fill any container. Think of air. ๐จ

How are we doing?
Give us your feedback and let us know how we can improve