Question

Use the concept of intermolecular forces to explain why the far end of a walking cane rises when one raises the handle.

Short answer

The far end of the cane rises when one raises the handle due to the interplay of adhesive and cohesive forces resulting from intermolecular interactions. The adhesive force between the hand and the cane's handle pulls the cane up, while the cohesive force within the cane causes the far end to lift up too.

Step-by-step solution

Define intermolecular forces

Intermolecular forces are the forces of attraction between molecules. They are weaker than intramolecular forces i.e. the forces holding atoms together in a molecule or crystal.

Concept of cohesion and adhesion

There are two types of intermolecular forces relevant to this scenario. Cohesion is the intermolecular forces between similar molecules. It results in phenomena like surface tension. Adhesion is the intermolecular forces between dissimilar molecules, like that between the cane and the molecules it's in contact with.

Application of adhesion and cohesion

When the handle of the walking cane is raised, the cane sticks to the hand due to adhesive forces. Simultaneously, the rest of the cane experiences cohesive forces which attempt to keep it together as a solid body. These cohesive forces bring up the far end of the cane.

Final explanation

So, the far end of the cane rises up due to the cohesion of the cane's material (intermolecular forces within the cane) and the adhesion between the handle and hand (intermolecular forces between the cane and hand).