Intermolecular forces are the forces of attraction between molecules. In covalent compounds, intermolecular forces are weak because the molecules are held together primarily by weak van der Waals forces or dipole-dipole interactions, rather than strong electrostatic forces found in ionic compounds.
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Intermolecular forces are attractive or repulsive forces between molecules. In covalent compounds, intermolecular forces, such as London dispersion forces, dipole-dipole interactions, and hydrogen bonding, are relatively weak compared to the strong covalent bonds holding atoms within a molecule. Covalent compounds consist of molecules with discrete entities, and the intermolecular forces arise from interactions between these molecules. The weakness of these forces is due to the separation between molecules and the fact that they result from temporary or induced dipoles, partial charges, or hydrogen bonding rather than the direct sharing or transfer of electrons as seen in covalent bonds within a molecule.