theory of London dispersion forces

E347197

The theory of London dispersion forces explains the weak, short-range attractive interactions between all atoms and molecules arising from instantaneous, correlated fluctuations in their electron distributions.

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Predicate Object
instanceOf physical theory
theory in chemistry
theory in physics
appliesTo all atoms
all molecules
basedOn correlated fluctuations in electron distributions
instantaneous fluctuations in electron density
characterizes forces that are always attractive at long range for neutral species
forces that decay rapidly with distance
clarifies that dispersion forces act between all pairs of atoms and molecules
that dispersion forces exist even in absence of permanent charge or dipole
componentOf total intermolecular interaction energy
London dispersion forces
surface form: van der Waals forces
describes London dispersion forces
developedUsing quantum perturbation theory
distinguishedFrom dipole–induced dipole interactions
electrostatic interactions between permanent multipoles
hydrogen bonding
permanent dipole–dipole interactions
explains attraction between nonpolar molecules
existence of condensed phases of noble gases
part of the origin of boiling points of nonpolar substances
part of the origin of melting points of nonpolar substances
residual attraction between noble gas atoms
short-range attractive interactions between atoms and molecules
weak intermolecular attractions
historicallyAttributedTo Fritz London
partOf theory of London dispersion forces self-linksurface differs
surface form: van der Waals interaction theory
predicts dispersion energy scales with inverse sixth power of distance
stronger dispersion forces for more polarizable species
relatedTo Casimir–Polder interaction at larger separations
Lennard-Jones potential modeling of intermolecular forces
London equation for dispersion energy
induced dipole–induced dipole interactions
quantum mechanical description of intermolecular forces
usedIn biomolecular structure and stability analysis
computational chemistry models of noncovalent interactions
explanations of trends in physical properties of homologous series
materials science of molecular crystals
molecular simulation force fields
surface science and adsorption studies
usesConcept electron correlation
induced dipole moments
instantaneous dipole moments
polarizability of atoms and molecules

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Referenced by (3)

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Fritz London notableWork theory of London dispersion forces
Fritz hasWork theory of London dispersion forces
subject surface form: Fritz London
this entity surface form: The Theory of Intermolecular Forces
theory of London dispersion forces partOf theory of London dispersion forces self-linksurface differs
this entity surface form: van der Waals interaction theory