Calculating Van Der Waals Forces: Gecko Climbing Walls

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of Van Der Waals forces between solids, specifically in the context of how geckos are able to climb walls using these forces. Participants are seeking equations or models that can quantify these interactions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about specific equations to calculate Van Der Waals forces between solids, linking this to the climbing ability of geckos.
  • There are repeated requests for information on the equations related to Van Der Waals forces.
  • One participant suggests checking academic papers and a Wikipedia page for more detailed information on the topic.
  • Another participant acknowledges having seen the Wikipedia page but not the referenced papers, indicating a desire for more in-depth resources.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the interest in the equations for calculating Van Der Waals forces, but no consensus exists on specific equations or models, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the exact calculations.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include a lack of specific equations presented in the discussion, and the reliance on external sources for further information without direct citations of relevant equations or models.

Howlin
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Hi

Is there an eqauation to work out the Van Der Waals Force between solids?
I am enquiring this in relation to how a gecko is able to walk up a wall.

I have done some research and it says that a gecko can walk up walls because of Van Der Waals forces, I want to know is there an equation to work it out?
 
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Howlin said:
Hi

Is there an eqauation to work out the Van Der Waals Force between solids?
I am enquiring this in relation to how a gecko is able to walk up a wall.

I have done some research and it says that a gecko can walk up walls because of Van Der Waals forces, I want to know is there an equation to work it out?

As another person interested in the exact same thing I'd like to request this too.
 
Have you checked the papers which report these results? (See here and here.) There's also the "en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Van_der_Waals_force" which may be of interest.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Mike H said:
Have you checked the papers which report these results? (See here and here.) There's also the "en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Van_der_Waals_force" which may be of interest.

I'd seen the wiki pages but hadn't seen the papers.
Thanks
 
Last edited by a moderator:

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