Question

Define intermolecular space.

Answer 1

Hint: Intermolecular forces and intermolecular spaces are responsible for most of the physical and chemical properties of matter. As we know, matter in the surrounding is made up of many same or different kinds of molecules.

Complete Solution :
Let us study about the intermolecular space and its dependence on intermolecular forces;
Intermolecular space-
- The space present in between two molecules or atoms is called intermolecular space. If the intermolecular force in between atoms or molecules is strong then the intermolecular space is less and vice versa.
- In short, when intermolecular force increases, the intermolecular distance will decrease. The molecules closer to each other would be in solid state. When the distance increases, the same molecules will exhibit liquid state and furthermore increase in force will cause gaseous state.
- The movement of molecules is only possible when gaps or spaces are present within them which are known as intermolecular spaces.
-Solids have the strongest intermolecular force of attraction between its molecules and less intermolecular space. In fact, intermolecular spaces are absent in solids.
-Liquids have moderate intermolecular force of attraction between its molecules and moderate intermolecular space. Here, the intermolecular forces are weaker than that of solids and stronger than that of gases.
-Gases have less intermolecular force of attraction between its molecules and more intermolecular space. The force of attraction between the gaseous particles are negligible.

Note: The three states of matter can be classified depending on various characteristics, one of them is intermolecular forces and resulting spaces.
Do note that they are interrelated with each other, but are inversely proportional i.e. ${{F}_{i}}\propto \dfrac{1}{{{S}_{i}}}$
where,
${{F}_{i}}$ = intermolecular force
${{S}_{i}}$ = intermolecular space.