Unit 3 Flashcards
What is the significance of the electromagnetic force in chemistry?
It is important for understanding atomic interactions in terms of Coulombic attractions and repulsions.
Coulomb’s law describes the force between charged particles, which is fundamental in explaining how atoms and molecules interact.
What are atoms made up of?
Charged particles.
Atoms consist of protons, neutrons, and electrons, where protons and electrons carry positive and negative charges, respectively.
What mechanisms allow atoms to stick together?
To make molecules, to make solids from liquids (freezing), and to make liquids from gases (condensation).
These processes are influenced by intermolecular forces and energy changes.
What happens between unlike and like charges?
Unlike charges attract, like charges repel.
This principle is crucial for understanding molecular interactions and stability.
How can the electron cloud be described?
As ‘fluffy’ and capable of fluctuating momentarily, distorting electron density.
This fluctuation plays a role in various types of intermolecular forces.
What are London Dispersion Forces (LDFs)?
Forces caused by fluctuations of electron density in molecules or atoms.
LDFs occur in all molecules, regardless of whether they are polar or nonpolar.
What induces a dipole in adjacent molecules in the context of London Dispersion Forces?
Fluctuations of electron density.
This results in temporary dipoles that can attract other dipoles.
Do London Dispersion Forces exist between all molecules?
Yes, they are present between all molecules (neutral species).
LDFs are the weakest type of intermolecular force but are significant in large molecules.
What symbols are used to denote partial negative and positive charges?
δ- (partial negative) and δ+ (partial positive).
These symbols indicate the uneven distribution of electron density in polar molecules.
How many molecules must be present for London Dispersion Forces to exist?
Two or more.
LDFs arise from interactions between adjacent molecules.
