Understanding how students untangle intermolecular forces

Tiny people looking at giant models of ammonium and sulfur dichloride trying to figure out the inter molecular forces

Source: Composite image, all © Shutterstock

Discover how learners use electronegativity to predict the location of dipole−dipole interactions

Many students struggle to understand intermolecular forces. A US study looked at how students predict the location of dipole−dipole forces between two molecules – the challenges they face, the errors they make and how they can gain understanding. Use the evidence from the article and the teacher-tested tips to deepen your students’ understanding of this key chemistry topic.

Make your lessons pop

Choose an account option to continue exploring our full range of articles and teaching resources

Free

Free access for everyone, everywhere. If you only need a few resources, start here.


What's included

  • One free teaching resource each month
  • Five free Education in Chemistry articles each month
  • Personalised email alerts and bookmarks