Which of the following types of intermolecular interactions or forces is/are called van der Waals forces?
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London forces
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Dipole – dipole forces
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Dipole – induced dipole forces
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Hydrogen bonding
Choose the correct code
- AOption (a)
Only 1 and 2
- BOption (b)
Only 3 and 4
- COption (c)
Only 1,2 and 3
- DOption (d)
Only 2, 3 and 4
View answer & explanationHide answer & explanation
Correct answer
Only 1,2 and 3
Why this answer is correct
The correct answer is Only 1, 2 and 3.
Key Points
- Van der Waals forces refer to the weak intermolecular forces that arise between molecules or atoms. These forces include:
- London Forces (Dispersion Forces): These arise due to the temporary dipoles formed when electrons in two adjacent atoms or molecules occupy positions that make the atoms momentarily polar. These are present in all molecules, whether polar or non-polar.
- Dipole-Dipole Interactions: These occur between molecules that have permanent dipoles (polar molecules). The positive end of one molecule is attracted to the negative end of another.
- Dipole-Induced Dipole Forces: These occur when a polar molecule induces a dipole in a non-polar molecule by distorting its electron cloud.
- Hydrogen Bonding is not considered a van der Waals force. It is a specific type of dipole-dipole interaction, stronger than van der Waals forces, and occurs when hydrogen is covalently bonded to highly electronegative atoms like oxygen, nitrogen, or fluorine.
- Since the question asks about van der Waals forces, the correct answer includes only London Forces, Dipole-Dipole Interactions, and Dipole-Induced Dipole Forces, and excludes Hydrogen Bonding.
- Hence, the correct answer is Only 1, 2, and 3.
Additional Information
- Van der Waals Forces:
- The term "van der Waals forces" is named after the Dutch scientist Johannes Diderik van der Waals, who first described these forces in the late 19th century.
- These forces are universal and occur in all atoms and molecules, regardless of their polarity.
- Van der Waals forces are weaker compared to covalent and ionic bonds but play a significant role in determining the physical properties of substances, like boiling and melting points.
- London Dispersion Forces:
- These are the weakest intermolecular forces and arise due to instantaneous dipoles formed by the movement of electrons in atoms or molecules.
- They are significant in non-polar molecules and noble gases.
- The strength of London forces increases with the size and number of electrons in a molecule or atom.
- Dipole-Dipole Interactions:
- These occur in polar molecules that have permanent dipoles.
- The positive end of one molecule is attracted to the negative end of another, leading to stronger intermolecular attraction.
- Examples include interactions in substances like HCl and NH3.
- Dipole-Induced Dipole Forces:
- These forces occur when a molecule with a permanent dipole induces a temporary dipole in a neighboring non-polar molecule by distorting its electron distribution.
- These are weaker than dipole-dipole forces but stronger than London forces.
- An example includes the interaction between a polar water molecule and a non-polar oxygen molecule.
- Hydrogen Bonding:
- Hydrogen bonding is a special, stronger type of dipole-dipole interaction. It occurs when hydrogen is covalently bonded to highly electronegative atoms like Oxygen (O), Nitrogen (N), or Fluorine (F).
- It is responsible for unique properties like the high boiling point of water and the structure of DNA.
- Hydrogen bonding is not classified as a van der Waals force due to its higher strength and specific requirements.