The forces that exist
between neutral molecules are known as the van
der Waals forces
There are three general
types of forces that can exist between neutral
molecules.
In order of increasing
strength these are:
induced dipole -
induced dipole (London or dispersion forces)
dipole - induced dipole
dipole - dipole (which
includes hydrogen bonds)
These forces are important because they
influence the properties (physical,
chemical and biological) of molecules such as melting point, boiling
point,
solubility and reactivity.
The important thing to remember is that increasing the strength of the
intermolecular forces increases the amount of energy required to
separate the molecules - hence higher melting or boiling points.
