How are intermolecular forces different from the forces that bond atoms together into molecules? How are they similar?

Answer 1

Intermolecular forces:
- Between different molecules of the same substance
- London Forces, Dipole-Dipole Interactions, Hydrogen Bonds
- Do not involve any sharing of electrons between atoms

Intramolecular forces:
- Between different atoms in the same molecule
- Covalent/Ionic bonds which involve the sharing or donation of electrons between atoms

Answer 2

Arora mostly has it on target. In general, the intermolecular forces are weaker than the intramolecular forces that bond atoms together.