Skip to content
    Chemistry A-Level

    Intermolecular forces and physical properties

    What Intermolecular forces and physical properties means in Chemistry A-Level, as defined for OCR.

    Definitions of Intermolecular forces and physical properties

    Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.

    Check what you remember

    Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Intermolecular forces and physical properties in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.

    Reference: OCR

    Hydrogen bonding raises boiling point in alcohols and carboxylic acids, and larger chains raise boiling point through stronger induced dipole–dipole forces.
    OCR · Alcohols, haloalkanes and analysis - 4.2.3 Organic synthesis
    Esters have boiling points lower than the parent acids because they cannot hydrogen-bond to each other through an –OH group.
    OCR · Carboxylic acids and esters

    Topics that use Intermolecular forces and physical properties

    Related terms

    Using Intermolecular forces and physical properties in the exam

    Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.

    Practise Chemistry questions

    Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.

    Start free

    A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge

    All Chemistry A-Level terms