Van der Waals forces

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Van der Waals forces are an intermolecular force of attraction between atoms or molecules.

They are significant when there are no other intermolecular forces present.[1]

They are formed from the movement of electrons within the atom or molecule creating a temorary dipole-dipole (even if the atom/molecule does not have a net charge) .An electrostatic attraction forms between the temporarily positive area of one molecule and temporarily negative area of another.[2]


  1. ↑ BBC Bitesize. Intermolecular forces of attraction. Last modified 2014. [Cited: 23/10/17]. Available from: http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/higher/chemistry/energy/bsp/revision/2/
  2. ↑ Chemistry LibreTexts. Van der Waals Forces. Last modified 11/3/17. [Cited: 23/10/17]. Available from: https://chem.libretexts.org/Core/Physical_and_Theoretical_Chemistry/Physical_Properties_of_Matter/Atomic_and_Molecular_Properties/Intermolecular_Forces/Van_der_Waals_Forces
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