Van Der Waals forces specifically refer to intermolecular forces between uncharged molecules, excluding covalent and ionic bonds. These forces encompass dipole-dipole interactions, dipole-induced dipole interactions, and induced dipole-induced dipole interactions, commonly known as London dispersion forces. While hydrogen bonds are a type of dipole-dipole interaction, they are classified separately due to their distinct properties. Understanding these classifications is crucial for comprehending molecular interactions.
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All intermolecular forces.BogMonkey said:Is Van Der Waals forces just a name for all intermolecular forces that exist between molecules or does it only refer to certain types of intermolecular forces?
Ygggdrasil said:van der Waals forces generally refer to intermolecular forces between two separate uncharged molecules (so this excludes covalent and ionic bonding). These forces include dipole-dipole interactions, dipole-induced dipole interactions, and induced dipole-induced dipole interactions (London dispersion forces). Although hydrogen bonds can be thought of as a class of dipole-dipole interactions, their properties are usually different enough that they are considered a class of intermolecular interactions separate from the van der Waals forces.