Molecular forces are the interactions that occur between molecules, influencing their physical properties. The main types include van der Waals forces, which are weak attractions due to temporary dipoles; dipole-dipole interactions, which occur between polar molecules; and hydrogen bonds, a strong type of dipole-dipole interaction involving hydrogen and highly electronegative atoms like oxygen or nitrogen.
Another important category is ionic bonds, which form between charged ions, resulting in strong attractions. Additionally, London dispersion forces are present in all molecules, arising from temporary shifts in electron density. Understanding these forces helps explain phenomena like boiling points and solubility.