There are two types of bonds that different elements can form between or among them. There are many more bonds or forces but they all can be classified as either intermolecular forces or intramolecular forces.
Difference between Intermolecular Forces and Intramolecular Forces
Intermolecular forces are a repulsive or attractive bond formed by neighboring atoms, molecules or particles. If the forces are attractive, then the particles, atoms or molecules will be held together. If the forces are repulsive, then there is no bond but those are still intermolecular forces. All known elements or molecules of all elements have intermolecular forces. Some elements have strong intermolecular forces while some have weaker forces. The different types of intermolecular forces are hydrogen bond, ion-dipole forces, dipole-dipole forces, ion-induced dipole forces, dipole-induced dipole bond and dispersion forces.
Intramolecular forces or intra-molecular bonds are formed when the atoms of a particular molecule bind together or form a bond. Atoms of the same molecular will have a certain force binding them together. These atoms may have a force drawing them closer to or apart from atoms of other molecules. When different molecules form a compound, the atoms can bind to one another and this is responsible for the molecule or the compound having a stable form. These forces between atoms of molecules are intramolecular forces. As the nomenclature suggests, inter is between two or more elements while intra is within, which could be within a single molecule or the compound as a whole where there are many molecules of different elements. There are three types of intramolecular forces, known as ionic, covalent and metallic bonding.
In both intermolecular forces and intramolecular forces, there can be separation of charge, dissipation of positive or negative charge, there can be transfer of ions and thus a substantial transfer of energy from one atom or molecule to another. There isn’t much difference between intermolecular forces and intramolecular forces in those regards other than compound or molecule specific characteristics.
Broadly, intermolecular forces would be formed between two or more molecules and intramolecular forces will be formed within or inside a molecule. Intermolecular forces are weaker than intramolecular forces, which is why it is easier to break down a compound than breaking down a particular molecule. A compound having more intramolecular forces will be stronger and more stable than one that has more intermolecular forces. In most cases, compounds will have both intermolecular forces and intramolecular forces.
