• Intermolecular forces include London (dispersion) forces, dipole-dipole forces and hydrogen bonding.

• The relative strengths of these interactions are London (dispersion) forces < dipole-dipole forces < hydrogen bonds.

• Deduction of the types of intermolecular force present in substances, based on their structure and chemical formula.

• Explanation of the physical properties of covalent compounds (volatility, electrical conductivity and solubility) in terms of their structure and intermolecular forces.

• The term “London (dispersion) forces” refers to instantaneous induced dipole- induced dipole forces that exist between any atoms or groups of atoms and should be used for non-polar entities. The term “van der Waals” is an inclusive term, which includes dipole–dipole, dipole-induced dipole and London (dispersion) forces.