Chapter 11, Problem 5RQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The definition of London forces and their effect with respect to the size, number of atoms and the shape of the molecule are to be determined.

Concept Introduction:

The forces present between molecules that hold them together are known as intermolecular forces.

There are different types of forces known. These include dispersion forces, hydrogen bonding, ion-dipole forces, dipole-dipole interactions, and so on.

These forces play an important role in the polarizability of a molecule.

London or dispersion forces refer to the type of intermolecular forces present in a non-polar molecule.

London force (dispersion force; London dispersion force): A noncovalent molecular force caused by attraction of polarized electron clouds. The electron cloud polarization is induced: it is caused when the electron clouds repel each another, creating adjacent regions of electron deficiency (δ+) and electron excess (δ-). It has also been suggested the polarizations result from random fluctuations in electron density.