Explain the formation of London forces.

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) Atoms and nonpolar molecules are electrically symmetrical and have no dipole moment because their electronic charge cloud is symmetrically distributed.
However,a dipole may develop momentarily even in such atoms and molecules.
Suppose we have two atoms $A$ and $B$ in the close vicinity of each other.
In the initial state,there is a symmetrical distribution of the electronic charge cloud (see figure $a$).
It may so happen that momentarily,the electronic charge distribution in one of the atoms,say $A$,becomes unsymmetrical,i.e.,the charge cloud is more on one side than the other. This creates an instantaneous dipole in atom $A$.
This instantaneous dipole in atom $A$ distorts the electronic charge cloud of the neighboring atom $B$,thereby inducing a dipole in it. This is called an induced dipole.
The temporary attractive force between the instantaneous dipole and the induced dipole is known as the London dispersion force (see figures $b$ and $c$).

Explore More

Similar Questions

The molecule,which is not hydrolysed by water at $25^{\circ} C$ is $......$

Graphite is a soft solid lubricant and is extremely difficult to melt. What is the reason for this behavior of graphite?

The type of attractive forces between a polar molecule and a non-polar molecule is

Malleability and ductility of metals can be accounted for due to

Covalent compounds have low melting points because:

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo