Bonding key terms

Dipole moment

A measure of the separation of positive and negative charges in a molecule, indicating its polarity.

Symmetrical molecule

A molecule whose shape allows for the cancellation of bond dipoles, resulting in a non-polar molecule.

Polarizability

The ability of an electron cloud around an atom or molecule to be distorted, leading to the formation of temporary dipoles.

Temporary dipole

A short-lived dipole that occurs when the electron distribution in a molecule becomes uneven, creating a momentary positive and negative end.

Polarizability

The ability of an electron cloud in a molecule to be distorted by an external electric field, leading to the formation of temporary dipoles.

Induced dipole

A temporary dipole that occurs in a non-polar molecule when it is influenced by the electric field of a nearby polar molecule or another induced dipole.

Permanent dipole-dipole forces

Intermolecular forces that occur between polar molecules due to the attraction between the positive end of one molecule and the negative end of another.

Polar molecule

A molecule that has a net dipole moment due to the presence of polar bonds, resulting in a distribution of charge.

Hydrogen Bonding

A strong intermolecular force that occurs between molecules when hydrogen is covalently bonded to highly electronegative atoms.

Electronegativity

The tendency of an atom to attract electrons in a chemical bond, influencing the polarity of the bond.

Intermolecular forces

Forces of attraction or repulsion between neighboring particles (molecules, atoms, or ions).

Boiling point

The temperature at which a liquid's vapor pressure equals the external pressure surrounding the liquid.