London Dispersion Forces (LDF) are present in both molecular and ionic compounds, contrary to the belief that they exist solely in molecular compounds. LDF arise from temporary shifts in electron density that create dipoles, occurring in all particles, including ions. However, in ionic compounds, the strength of LDF is significantly weaker due to the dominance of full positive and negative charge attractions. In molecular compounds, particularly non-polar ones, LDF serve as the primary intermolecular attractive force.
PREREQUISITESChemistry students, educators, and professionals interested in molecular interactions and the behavior of different types of compounds.