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Definitions from WordNet

Definitions from the Web

Van der Waals Forces

Description:

Van der Waals forces refer to weak intermolecular forces that arise due to fluctuations in electron distribution within molecules. These forces are named after Dutch scientist Johannes Diderik van der Waals, who first described them in the late 19th century. Van der Waals forces play a significant role in various physical and chemical phenomena, including molecular interactions, solubility, and the behavior of gases and liquids.

Sample Sentences:

As a noun:

1. A water molecule exhibits van der Waals forces with neighboring water molecules.
2. Van der Waals forces are important in the process of adsorption on solid surfaces.
3. The gecko's ability to climb vertical surfaces is attributed to the van der Waals forces between its feet and the surface.

As an adjective:

1. The substance has a high van der Waals attraction, resulting in its cohesive properties.
2. Van der Waals interactions between molecules determine the properties of the material.
3. Temperature affects the strength of van der Waals bonding in the substance.

Related Products:

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