Question

Why are covalent bonds typically much stronger than intermolecular forces?

Short answer

Covalent bonds are much stronger than the intermolecular forces because covalent bonds are formed by sharing of electrons whereas intermolecular forces are formed by the attraction of the partial charges formed.

Step-by-step solution

Covalent bond and Intermolecular forces

Covalent bonds are the bonds which are formed by thesharing of valence electronsof each atom involved in the bonding of the molecule. The bond is depending upon the valence electron of the atom which can be found out from the electronic configuration of an atom.

Intermolecular forces are the interaction which are formed by the attraction of the two having opposite charges (partial positive and partial negative charge). The opposite charge are formed by the presence of the electron-negative atom in the molecule. Due to the presence of an electron-negative atom, there is an induced partial positive charge is generated on the electron-positive charge (or less electron-negative charge) atom. There will be an attraction between the both oppositely charges to form a bond

Interaction Explanation 

Covalent bonds are stronger bond than intermolecular forces. As, covalent bonds are formed from the valence electron of an atom which can be calculated from the electronic configuration. The covalent bond is strong by the interaction between the valence electron sharing whereas the interaction of the partial charges which are induced by the presence of the electron-negative atom in the molecule. The interaction between the intermolecular forces depends upon the value of the electron-negativity of an atom.