Which type of bond is considered weaker than intra-molecular bonds?

Inter-molecular bonds are indeed weaker than intra-molecular bonds. Intra-molecular bonds refer to the connections that hold the atoms together within a molecule, such as covalent and ionic bonds, which are characterized by their strength and stability.

In contrast, inter-molecular bonds are the forces that exist between molecules. These include hydrogen bonds, dipole-dipole interactions, and van der Waals forces. They play a critical role in determining the physical properties of substances, such as boiling and melting points, solubility, and viscosity. Because they operate between separate molecules rather than within a single molecule, their energies are significantly lower compared to intra-molecular bonds, highlighting their weaker nature.

This understanding is essential for grasping concepts in chemistry and material science, as it influences how substances interact with one another in various states of matter.