4.7. Chemical Bonds: Van der Waals Forces

Chemistry is a fascinating discipline that explores the composition, structure and properties of matter, as well as the changes it undergoes during chemical reactions. One of the most important areas of Chemistry is the study of chemical bonds, in particular, Van der Waals forces. This is a crucial topic for understanding how molecules interact with each other and how these interactions influence material properties.

4.7.1. What are Van der Waals Forces?

Van der Waals forces are a type of weak chemical bonding that occurs between neutral molecules. They are named after the Dutch scientist Johannes Diderik van der Waals, who first described them in 1873. Van der Waals forces are responsible for many important physical properties, such as the surface tension of water, the ability of geckos to climb walls and the way proteins fold into three-dimensional structures.

4.7.2. Types of Van der Waals Forces

There are three main types of Van der Waals forces: London dispersion forces, dipole-dipole forces, and induced dipole-dipole forces.

4.7.2.1. London Scattering Forces

London dispersion forces, also known as instantaneous dispersion forces or London forces, are the weakest type of Van der Waals forces. They occur between all molecules, whether polar or non-polar, and are caused by temporary fluctuations in the distribution of electrons around atoms. These fluctuations create a small temporary dipole, which can induce a corresponding dipole in a neighboring molecule.

4.7.2.2. Dipole-Dipole Forces

Dipole-dipole forces occur between molecules that have a permanent dipole, that is, a separation of electrical charge. They are stronger than the London dispersion forces and increase with increasing molecular polarity.

4.7.2.3. Dipole-Induced Dipole Forces

Induced dipole-dipole forces occur when a polar molecule induces a dipole in a non-polar molecule. Although they are weaker than dipole-dipole forces, they are stronger than London dispersion forces.

4.7.3. Importance of Van der Waals Forces

Despite being relatively weak compared to ionic and covalent bonds, Van der Waals forces play a crucial role in many physical and biological processes. For example, they are responsible for the adhesion of certain insects to surfaces, the formation of liquids and solids from gases, and the three-dimensional structure of proteins and DNA.

In summary, Van der Waals forces are an essential part of the study of Chemistry and an important topic for preparing for the ENEM test. Understanding how they work and how they influence the properties of materials can help improve your understanding of chemistry and increase your chances of succeeding on the exam.

Next page of the Free Ebook:

52Chemical Bonds: Hydrogen Bonds

2 minutes