Factor Affecting Van der Waals Force
There are several factors that affects the strength of van der Waals forces:
- Molecular Size
Larger molecules have more electrons, leading to stronger van der Waals forces due to increased polarizability. This makes it easier for larger molecules to induce temporary dipoles in neighboring molecules.
- Molecular Shape
Molecules with a linear shape can come closer together and have more surface area in contact than spherical molecules, leading to stronger van der Waals forces. Branched molecules have weaker van der Waals forces compared to their linear counterparts because of the reduced effective contact area.
- Polarizability
Polarizability refers to how easily the electron cloud around a molecule can be distorted. Molecules with more easily distortable electron clouds have stronger van der Waals forces. Large atoms or molecules with loosely held outer electrons are more polarizable.
- Dipole Moment
Permanent Dipole Interactions: While van der Waals forces include interactions between non-polar molecules, they also involve dipole-dipole interactions where present. Molecules with a permanent dipole moment can align such that their positive and negative ends attract, enhancing the overall intermolecular force.
- Surface Area
Contact Surface Area: The amount of surface area that molecules have in contact with each other can influence the strength of van der Waals forces. Greater surface area allows for more opportunities for these forces to act between molecules.
- Temperature
Increasing temperature can weaken van der Waals forces because higher kinetic energy allows molecules to overcome these weak attractions more easily. Conversely, lowering the temperature can enhance the effectiveness of van der Waals forces.
Van Der Waals Force
Van der Waals forces are intermolecular forces. They include attraction and repulsion between atoms and molecules. This force is fundamental in diverse fields which include condensed matter physics, polymer science, nanotechnology, supra-molecular chemistry, biological structure, and surface science.
In this article, we look into Van der Waals forces their types, the equation of the Van der Waals force, and their applications.
Table of Content
- What are Van der Waals Forces?
- Types of Van der Waals Forces
- Keeson Interaction
- Debye Forces
- London Dispersion Forces
- Formula for Van der Waals Force
- Characteristics of Van der Waals Forces
- Factor Affecting Van der Waals Force
- Applications of Van der Waals forces