Question

Define range of molecular attraction?

Answer 1

The molecules combine together to form compounds. In compounds the molecules are held together by certain forces acting between them. These forces can be of different types with varying strength. The forces depend on the distance between the molecules

Complete solution:
Two or more atoms make up a molecule. The atoms in a molecule can be the same or different. There exists some forces which act between the molecules; these forces can either be attractive in nature. Some intermolecular forces are hydrogen bonding, dipole- dipole forces, Wander-Vaal forces etc.

Dipole-dipole forces acting between a molecule containing negative ions and a molecule containing positive ions. While hydrogen bonds exist between hydrogen atoms of one molecule and polar ions of the other molecule. Wander-Vaal forces are the weakest forces and exist between all molecules.

Forces acting between two molecules depend on the distance between the molecules and the distance is measured from their centers.

The range of molecular attraction is the distance between two molecules at which the forces acting between them have appreciable magnitude. As the molecules move farther away, the forces become weaker until their magnitude is negligible.

Therefore, the range of molecular attraction is the distance between or range of two molecules at which the forces acting between them is appreciable.

Note:
The interaction of forces between atoms is mostly electrostatic forces due to the presence of positive and negative charges as electrons and protons. The molecules can either form substances by combining with other molecules or exist as single molecules. Different molecules react together to form compounds.