What term is used to describe the attractive force between polar molecules?

The term that describes the attractive force between polar molecules is hydrogen bonding. This type of bonding occurs when a hydrogen atom, covalently bonded to a highly electronegative atom (such as nitrogen, oxygen, or fluorine), experiences an attraction to another electronegative atom nearby. The polar nature of the molecules involved is critical, as it leads to the formation of temporary dipoles. The interaction is significant in many biological and chemical systems, contributing to properties such as water's high boiling point and its role as a solvent.

While other forces like Van der Waals forces also play a role in molecular interactions, they are generally weaker and involve all types of molecules, not limited to polar ones. Hydrophobic interactions are primarily relevant in the context of nonpolar substances interacting with water, which is the opposite of what is meant by attraction between polar molecules. Ionic bonding is a strong force between charged ions rather than an attraction between molecules based on polarity.