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Inter- vs. Intra-

“Inter-” and “intra-” are difficult to keep straight.

“Inter-” means between different groups. “Intra-” means within the same group. This will be more clear with examples.

Intermolecular forces are forces between different molecules. Intramolecular forces are forces within the same molecule.

Intercellular means between different cells. Intracellular means within the [same] cell.

Think of it like highways. Interstate highways are those highways that cross state lines (cross multiple states). Intrastate highways is a less common expression, but one can think of it as highways/roads that are only meaningful in the same state.

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VSEPR: Molecular vs. Electronic Geometry

It is easy to get confused between molecular vs. electronic geometry when studying VSEPR (valence shell electron pair repulsion). Molecular geometry is concerned with the arrangement of atoms; electronic geometry is concerned with the arrangement of electrons.

Using AXnEm notation, “Xn”; represents the number of atoms surrounding the central atom, A. “Em” represents the number of lone pairs.

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