I always explain the difference between bonds and intermolecular forces this way: bonds are like gluing two pieces of paper together and IMFs are like magnets. You can tear the papers apart, but they will not be the same as when they were together. Things held together by IMFs can be separated and they’ll be exactly the same as when they were together. Of course, I am explaining things to high school or gen Chem students, so the analogy is enough.
AppropriateRaven t1_ixuup8e wrote
Reply to comment by Objective_Regret4763 in Does the formation of bonds mean a chemical reaction has occurred? by Effective-Night-2646
I always explain the difference between bonds and intermolecular forces this way: bonds are like gluing two pieces of paper together and IMFs are like magnets. You can tear the papers apart, but they will not be the same as when they were together. Things held together by IMFs can be separated and they’ll be exactly the same as when they were together. Of course, I am explaining things to high school or gen Chem students, so the analogy is enough.