1.
Kinetic Molecular Theory: Matter in Motion
● The kinetic molecular theory explains the behavior of matter based on the motion of its
particles (atoms and molecules).
● It's a model that helps us understand why substances exist in different states (solid,
liquid, gas) and how they behave.
The key ideas are:
Particles are in constant motion:
Atoms and molecules are always moving, even in solids. This motion is called kinetic energy.
Particles have spaces between them:
There's empty space between particles, and the amount of space varies depending on the state
of matter.
Particles interact with each other:
Particles attract and repel each other, and the strength of these interactions affects the state of
matter.
Temperature affects particle motion:
Higher temperatures mean particles move faster and have more kinetic energy.
2. States of Matter and the Kinetic Molecular Theory
Solids:
Particles are closely packed together in a fixed arrangement. They vibrate in place but don't
move around freely. This explains why solids have a def hite shape and volume. The strong
attractive forces between particles keep them tightly bound.
Liquids:
Particles are close together but not in a fixed arrangement. They can move around and slide
past each other. This explains why liquids have a definite volume but not a definite shape. The
attractive forces are weaker than in solids, allowing for more movement.
Gases:
Particles are far apart and move randomly in all directions. They collide with each other and the
container walls. This explains why gases have neither a definite shape nor a definite volume.
The attractive forces are very weak, allowing for almost complete freedom of movement.
GENERALIZATION:
The kinetic molecular theory provides a powerful framework for understanding the behavior of
matter. It explains the properties of solids, liquids, and gases based on the motion, spacing, and
interactions of their particles. The theory helps us connect macroscopic observations to the
microscopic world of atoms and molecules.
1. Intermolecular Forces: Attractions Between Molecules
Intermolecular forces are the attractive forces that exist between molecules. These forces are
weaker than the intramolecular forces (bonds) that hold atoms together within a molecule, but
they significantly influence the physical properties of substances like boiling point, melting point,
and solubility.
2. Types of Intermolecular Forces:
London Dispersion Forces (LDFs):
These are the weakest type of intermolecular force and are present in all molecules. They arise
from temporary fluctuations in electron distribution around a molecule, creating temporary
dipoles that induce dipoles in neighboring molecules. The strength of LDFs increases with the
size and shape of the molecule (larger molecules have stronger LDFs).
Here is a list of chemicals that exhibit London Dispersion Forces:
Noble Gases: Halogens:
Helium (He) Fluorine (F₂)
Neon (Ne) Chlorine (Cl₂)
Argon (Ar) Bromine (Br₂)
Krypton (Kr) Iodine (I₂)
Xenon (Xe)
Radon (Rn)
Gases: Hydrocarbons:
Oxygen (O₂) Methane (CH₄)
Nitrogen (N₂) Hexane (C₆H₁₄)
Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl₄)
Phosphine (PH₃) Ethane (C₂H₆)
Dipole-Dipole Forces:
These forces occur between polar molecules (molecules with a permanent dipole moment). The
positive end of one polar molecule is attracted to the negative end of another. They are stronger
than LDFs.
Here's a concise list of chemicals exhibiting dipole-dipole forces:
Hydrogen Halides: HCl, HF, HBr, HI Acetone: (CH₃)₂CO
Water: H₂O Ethanol: CH₃CH₂OH
Ammonia: NH₃ Methanol: CH₃OH
Carbon Monoxide: CO Formaldehyde: H₂CO
Sulfur Dioxide: SO₂
Hydrogen Bonding:
This is a special type of dipole-dipole force that occurs when a hydroge atom is bonded to a
highly electronegative atom (like oxygen, nitrogen, or f luorine) and is attracted to another
electronegative atom in a nearby molecule. Hydrogen bonds are the strongest type of
intermolecular force.
Here’s a concise list of chemicals that exhibit hydrogen bonding:
• Water: H₂O
• Ammonia: NH₃
• Hydrogen Fluoride: HF
• Alcohols: Methanol (CH₃OH), Ethanol (CH₃CH₂OH)
• Carboxylic Acids: Acetic acid (CH₃COOH), Formic acid (HCOOH)
• Amines: Methylamine (CH₃NH₂)
• DNA: Hydrogen bonds are crucial for the structure and function of DNA.
• Proteins: Hydrogen bonds play a role in protein folding and stability.
• Chloroform: CHCl₃
• Acetylacetone: C₂H₂O₂
• Nylon: A synthetic polymer that exhibits hydrogen bonding.
3. Predicting Intermolecular Forces:
To predict the intermolecular forces present in a molecule, follow these steps:
Determine the molecular geometry:
This helps determine if the molecule is polar or nonpolar.
Identify the presence of polar bonds:
Polar bonds occur when atoms with different electronegativities are bonded together.
Assess the overall polarity of the molecule:
If the molecule has polar bonds and an asymmetrical geometry, it is polar; otherwise, it is
nonpolar.
Predict the intermolecular forces:
1. Nonpolar molecules have only LDFs.
2. Polar molecules have dipole-dipole forces and LDFs.
3. Molecules with O-H, N-H, or F-H bonds have hydrogen bonding, in addition to dipole-dipole
and LDFs.
GENERALIZATION:
Intermolecular forces are crucial in determining the physical properties of substances.
Understanding the types of intermolecular forces and how to predict them is essential for
understanding the behavior of matter.
