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van der Waals forces |
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van der Waals forces: see intermolecular forces intermolecular forces, forces that are exerted by molecules on each other and that, in general, affect the macroscopic properties of the material of which the molecules are a part. Such forces may be either attractive or repulsive in nature. ..... Click the link for more information. . van der Waals forcesRelatively weak electrical forces that attract neutral (uncharged) molecules to each other in gases, liquefied and solidified gases, and almost all organic liquids and solids. Solids held together by van der Waals forces typically have lower melting points and are softer than those held together by ionic, covalent, or metallic bonds (see bonding). The forces arise because neutral molecules, though uncharged, are usually electric dipoles, which have a tendency to align with each other and to induce further polarization in neighbouring molecules, resulting in a net attractive force. They are somewhat weaker than the forces involved in hydrogen bonding. See also Johannes D. van der Waals. How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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These hairs, when in close contact with a surface, induce intermolecular attractive forces called van der Waals forces between themselves and the surface (SN: 7/15/00, p. This mock dirt counteracted the weak van der Waals forces that usually sum into a lizard's tenacious grip on surfaces. In a liquid film thinner than about 100 nm, intermolecular attractions called van der Waals forces tend to squeeze the film so much that it disappears with a pop, says Dorbolo. |
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