Van der Waals Forces

Have you ever wondered how tiny creatures like lizards can walk on walls? Or why gases like oxygen can turn into liquid when cooled? The answer lies in something called Van der Waals forces.

Van der Waals forces are very weak forces that pull molecules or atoms together. They happen because of tiny changes in the way electrons move around inside molecules. Even though these forces are much weaker than chemical bonds like ionic or covalent bonds, they are still very important in nature and science.

In chemistry, Van der Waals forces help explain why different materials behave the way they do — why water sticks together, why gases turn into liquids, and how proteins in our body keep their shape. Learning about van der Waals forces definition and examples will make it easier to understand many things around us.

What Are Van der Waals Forces?

Van der Waals forces are weak attractions between molecules that happen due to temporary changes in their electron movement. Unlike strong bonds like ionic or covalent bonds, van der Waals forces are short-lived and weaker but still very important in holding materials together.

➔ Other Name: Van der Waals forces are also sometimes called intermolecular forces or weak intermolecular forces.

Van der Waals Forces Formula

There is no single simple formula for van der Waals forces, but in physics and chemistry, the force (F) between two molecules can be roughly given by:

F∝1/r_⁷

where:

• F = Van der Waals Force
• r = Distance between two molecules

This means the force becomes very weak as the distance increases.

5 Types of Van der Waals Forces

Van der Waals forces are not just one type. They can be divided into different categories based on how they occur:

Van der Waals Forces Examples in Daily Life

Understanding these forces helps explain many everyday things:

• Lizards climbing walls: Tiny hairs on their feet use van der Waals forces to stick to surfaces without glue.
• Liquefaction of gases: Gases like oxygen and nitrogen turn into liquids at low temperatures because of these forces.
• Protein structure: Proteins maintain their 3D shapes inside the body thanks to van der Waals interactions.
• Adhesives and paints: Better sticking and coating on surfaces are possible because of van der Waals forces.
• Water droplets: Surface tension in water drops happens partly due to these forces between water molecules.

Properties of Van der Waals Forces

What is Van der Waals Forces in Chemistry?

In chemistry, van der Waals forces explain why molecules attract each other, even when they are not forming chemical bonds.
For example:

• They explain the states of matter: why water can be liquid and gas.
• They explain why noble gases like helium can turn into liquids at very low temperatures.

Thus, van der Waals forces are critical to understanding molecular interactions without involving chemical reactions.

Conclusion

Van der Waals forces may be weak, but they are everywhere and essential in our world. From helping animals climb surfaces to maintaining life processes in our body, these forces explain a lot.
Whether you are preparing for exams, writing assignments, or just curious, knowing about van der Waals forces definition and examples, types, and properties will help you understand the hidden forces behind many natural and scientific processes.