Van der Waals Forces

Definition :-

Van der waals forces are electrostatic force of attraction which keeps the whole molecule in position in a molecular crystal .

Van der Waals force is the weakest force of attraction among of all the intermolecular forces of attraction between molecules . It depends on the distance between atoms or molecules.

Van der Waals force arises due to interactions between uncharged atoms or molecules .

The strength of Van der Waals force is between 0.4 KJ.mol^-¹ to 4 KJ.mol^-¹ .

Characteristics of Van der Waals forces :-

1. Van der Waals force is weaker than covalent bond and ionic bond.
2. Van der Waals forces are made up of several individual interactions.
3. Van der Waals force does not depends on temperature except dipole-dipole interaction .
4. This is a short ranged force but its magnitude is higher when the atoms or molecules are very closed to each other .

This was a short information about Van der Waals forces and sufficient for 1st year examinations .

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