van der Waals forces
What van der Waals forces means in Chemistry A-Level, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of van der Waals forces
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Reference: AQA
Forces between molecules that take more energy to overcome as each step down the group adds electrons, making the electron cloud larger and more easily distorted and the induced dipoles bigger.
Large contact areas between closely packed straight chains give strong forces, but kinked chains pack badly so the forces are weaker.
These are the only forces between chains; each is weak, but over a long chain there are so many contacts that the solid is tough.
Weak intermolecular forces of attraction between temporary dipoles and induced dipoles in adjacent molecules.
Topics that use van der Waals forces
- Addition polymers (AQA A-Level)
- Carboxylic acids and esters (A-level only) (AQA A-Level)
- Properties of Period 3 elements and their oxides (A-level only) (AQA A-Level)
- Trends in properties (AQA A-Level)
Related terms
- acid catalysis
- acidifying with nitric acid
- Addition polymerisation
- alkyl alkanoate naming
- carboxyl group
- choice of acid
- concentrated sulfuric acid
- confirmation with ammonia
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