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6.3.1: Dipole-Dipole and Dispersion Forces

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    Dipole-Dipole Forces

    Dipole-dipole forces are the attractive forces that occur between polar molecules. A molecule of hydrogen chloride has a partially positive hydrogen atom and a partially negative chlorine atom. In a collection of many hydrogen chloride molecules, the molecules will align themselves so that the oppositely charged regions of neighboring molecules are near each other.

    CK12 Screenshot 9-15-1.png
    Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\): Dipole-dipole forces are a result of the attraction of the positive end of one dipole to the negative end of a neighboring dipole. (Credit: Joy Sheng; Source: CK-12 Foundation; License: CC BY-NC 3.0(opens in new window))

    Dipole-dipole forces are similar in nature to ionic bonds, but much weaker.

    London Dispersion Forces

    Dispersion forces are the weakest of all intermolecular forces. They are often called London dispersion forces after Fritz London (1900-1954), who first proposed their existence in 1930. London dispersion forces are the intermolecular forces that occur between atoms, and between nonpolar molecules as a result of the motion of electrons.

    The electron cloud of a helium atom contains two electrons, which can normally be expected to be equally distributed spatially around the nucleus. However, at any given moment the electron distribution may be uneven, resulting in an instantaneous dipole. This weak and temporary dipole subsequently influences neighboring helium atoms through electrostatic attraction and repulsion. It induces a dipole on nearby helium atoms (see figure below).

    CK12 Screenshot 9-15-2.png
    Figure \(\PageIndex{3}\): A short-lived or instantaneous dipole in a helium atom. (Credit: Zachary Wilson; Source: CK-12 Foundation; License: CC BY-NC 3.0(opens in new window))

    Summary

    • Van der Waals forces are weak interactions between molecules that involve dipoles.
    • Polar molecules have permanent dipole-dipole interactions.
    • Nonpolar molecules can interact by way of London dispersion forces.

    Review

    1. What attractive forces develop between polar molecules?
    2. What creates London dispersion forces?
    3. Are London dispersion forces permanent or temporary?
    4. Are the dispersion forces for Cl2 stronger or weaker than the ones for Br2?

    6.3.1: Dipole-Dipole and Dispersion Forces is shared under a CK-12 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

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