intermolecular
/,intəmou'lekjulə/
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Definition
- Adjective:
- Existing or occurring between molecules: Describes something that happens in the space separating individual molecules or involves the interaction of two or more distinct molecules.
Usage
- The term "intermolecular" is primarily used in scientific contexts, especially chemistry and physics, to describe forces, interactions, distances, or processes that involve multiple, separate molecules. It contrasts with "intramolecular," which refers to forces or processes within a single molecule.
- It is typically placed before a noun it modifies (e.g., intermolecular force).
Examples
- Adjective:
- Hydrogen bonding is a strong type of intermolecular attraction.
- The physical state of a substance depends on the strength of the intermolecular forces between its particles.
- The reaction proceeded via an intermolecular mechanism, involving two separate substrate molecules.
Advanced Usage
- "Intermolecular forces": A fundamental concept referring to the attractive or repulsive forces between neighboring molecules (e.g., van der Waals forces, dipole-dipole interactions). These forces determine many physical properties like boiling point, viscosity, and surface tension.
- "Intermolecular interaction": A broader term for any event or effect that occurs when molecules influence each other without forming a permanent chemical bond.
- "Intermolecular distance": The average space between molecules in a substance, which changes with state (gas, liquid, solid).
Variants and Related Words
- Intramolecular (adj): Existing or occurring within a single molecule.
- Intramolecular hydrogen bonding can affect a molecule's shape.
Synonyms
- Between molecules
- Interparticle (when referring specifically to molecules as particles)
Antonyms
- Intramolecular: Within a molecule.
Adjective
- existing or acting between molecules
- intermolecular forces
- intermolecular condensation