Molecular shape

[Deepika Pugalenthi 1A]

Why is it that the shape of the molecule contributes to the strength of interactions?

[Elaine Pham 2E]

The shape of a molecule contributes to strength of interaction because when the shape of the molecules makes it so that the distance between the 2 molecules is shorter and that there is more surface area interacting with each other, the strength of the interaction between the two will be stronger. For instance, rod shaped molecules have stronger interactions/bonds between each other than spherical shaped molecules do because the rod shape makes it so that there is more contact between the two molecules next to each other, as more surface area is interacting with each other, and the distance between the two is shorter.

[Riya Shah 4H]

Because the shape of a molecule is the arrangement of atoms in a manner that each experiences the least amount of repulsion. Hence, if repulsion is less, the strength is more.