Chapter 18, Problem 19RQ

To determine

The primary difference between a chemical bond and an attraction between two molecules?

Answer to Problem 19RQ

A chemical bond is way stronger as compared to the attraction between two molecules.

Explanation of Solution

A chemical bond is generated when two atoms attract together and have either sharing of electrons or the exchange of electrons. Thus a chemical bond is a true bond when electron interaction is essential.

Whereas an attraction between molecules is just the attraction of individual molecules due to some intermolecular force of attraction like dipole-dipole interaction, dipole induced dipole interaction, Van der Waals interaction, etc.

Thus, the chemical bond is much stronger than just the attraction between molecules as the chemical bond is made by the interaction of electrons as a whole.

Conclusion:

Thus, a chemical bond is way stronger as compared to the attraction between two molecules.