What are Van Der Waals dispersion forces?

Van der Waals forces are a form of intermolecular (between molecules) force. 

A covalent bond is created by a shared pair of electons. (For example two chlorine atoms will share 2 electrons to form a Clmolecule). 

Within a covalent bonds, the electrons are not fixed, but constantly moving around the atoms. These may form temporary dipoles (even if the two atoms are of equal electronegativity such as Cl2).

These temporary dipoles will attract their opposite dipole and repel the same dipole (ie. d+ attracts d-). These random temporary dipioles are constantly forming, leading to attraction between molecules.

Van der Waals dispersion forces are considered a weak form of intermolecular force.

 

 

ZA
Answered by Zuhayr A. Chemistry tutor

6250 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Why is the bond angle in an amide ion smaller than the bond angle in a molecule of ammonia?


What is the evidence that disproves the Kekule model for benzene?


Why does a sample containing compounds with chiral carbons have no effect on plane polarised light?


Calculating the charge of a molecule e.g In NH4 what is the charge of the nitrogen atom?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning