Are Van der Waals Forces Stronger in Air or Water?

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SUMMARY

Van der Waals forces are significantly stronger in water than in air due to the higher dielectric constant of liquids compared to gases. This discussion highlights that the interaction forces between gas molecules are weaker, contributing to the distinct states of matter. Specifically, the dielectric constant plays a crucial role in the strength of these intermolecular forces, as a lower dielectric constant in gases diminishes the effectiveness of Van der Waals interactions. The analysis of silica particles in different mediums further illustrates the differences in molecular interactions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Van der Waals forces
  • Knowledge of dielectric constants
  • Basic principles of molecular interactions
  • Familiarity with states of matter (solid, liquid, gas)
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the role of dielectric constants in molecular interactions
  • Explore the differences between intermolecular forces in liquids and gases
  • Study the properties of silica particles in various mediums
  • Investigate the implications of Van der Waals forces in material science
USEFUL FOR

Students of chemistry, physicists, and material scientists interested in molecular interactions and the properties of different states of matter.

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Are van der waals forces between two molecules stronger in air of in water (as a medium)?
 
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Why is liquid a liquid and gas a gas?
 
Because the interaction forces between gas molecules are less strong than in a liquid. But I don't really see why, image two silica particles immersed in a liquid or in a gas.. I actually think they are larger is a gas than in a liquid. In the van der waals contributions there is the contribution of the dielectric constant, which is larger for the liquid than for the gas. The dieelectric constant stands in the denominator. But why does a smaller electric constant benefits van der waals forces physically?
 

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