Weak intermolecular attractions

Van der Waals forces are a variety of weak intermolecular attractions that arise from fluctuations in electron distribution within molecules or atoms

Named after Johannes Diderik van der Waals

These forces are named after Dutch physicist Johannes Diderik van der Waals, who first postulated their existence

Electrostatic interactions

Van der Waals forces include attractions and repulsions between molecules, which are not permanent but transient, and are induced by temporary charge imbalances

Dipole-dipole interactions

Dipole-dipole interactions occur between molecules with permanent dipoles and their strength depends on the polarity and spatial orientation of the molecules

Dipole-induced dipole interactions

Dipole-induced dipole interactions, also known as Debye forces, involve a permanent dipole in one molecule inducing a temporary dipole in another

London dispersion forces

London dispersion forces, named after Fritz London, are the weakest and most ubiquitous type, arising from instantaneous dipoles in all atoms and molecules

Molecular size and shape

The magnitude of Van der Waals forces is influenced by molecular size and shape, with larger molecules and spherical shapes leading to stronger interactions

Proximity of interacting entities

The distance between molecules is crucial, as Van der Waals forces decrease rapidly with increasing separation

Impact on physical properties

Van der Waals forces affect the melting and boiling points of substances and are essential for understanding the physical properties of gases, liquids, and solids

Biological and technological processes

Van der Waals forces play a vital role in the stability of biological molecules, such as proteins and nucleic acids, and have inspired the creation of advanced adhesives and materials

Deviations from Ideal Gas Law

Van der Waals forces are crucial for explaining deviations from ideal behavior in real gases, leading to the development of the Van der Waals equation