Shape of Molecules and bond strength

[RobertXu_2J]

Why does the shape of a molecule contribute to how strong the bond is between it and other molecules?

[Haley Dveirin 1E]

Because, for example, rod-shaped molecules when they bond can be closer together than two spherical molecules and therefore their bond is stronger.

[Jielena_Bragasin2G]

The shape of the molecule can also affect the intermolecular forces like induced dipole - induced dipole because the dispersion of the negative side and the positive side of the molecule on a longer/ rod like molecule will create a stronger induced dipole - induced dipole compared to spherical molecules.

[805422680]

The shape of the molecule determines the bond strength as a more branched structure (such as 2,2- dimethylpropane) have smaller surface areas. As the intermolecular attractive forces are determined by this, the forces as stronger. Whereas for straight molecules, it is the opposite.

[Joowon Seo 3A]

The shape affects it since a longer molecule has more surface area to interact with the other molecule than say a spherical molecule resulting in a stronger bond.

[405268063]

I believe the example Professor Lavelle used in class was the two rod shaped molecules vs. two spherical shaped molecules. The bonds in the two rod shaped molecules were stronger than the ones in the spherically shaped molecules because they were physically closer together.