Question

Monoatomics and nonpolar molecules can only interact with each other through the temporary

and weak intermolecular forces called ? forces or Van der Waals Forces.

Answer 1

Van der Waals forces, especially London dispersion forces, are temporary weak intermolecular forces occurring in nonpolar molecules due to fluctuations in electron distribution.

Step-by-step explanation:

The intermolecular forces that monoatomic and nonpolar molecules utilize for interaction are called London dispersion forces, which are a type of van der Waals force.

These forces occur due to temporary fluctuations in the electron distribution within atoms and molecules, which create momentary dipoles that induce similar dipoles in adjacent molecules, resulting in attraction.

While these interactions are weak and temporary compared to chemical bonds, they are significant enough to affect the physical properties of substances, especially in their solid and liquid states.

London dispersion forces are particularly notable for their presence in nonpolar molecules, which don't have permanent dipoles. This electrostatic phenomenon is more pronounced in larger atoms and molecules because their electrons are more easily perturbed.

Despite their weakness, these van der Waals forces play a crucial role in the behavior of liquids and solids, including their boiling and melting points.