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physical process > molecular process > van der Waals interaction

Preferred term

van der Waals interaction  

Definition

  • In molecular physics, the van der Waals force is a distance-dependent interaction between atoms or molecules. Unlike ionic or covalent bonds, these attractions do not result from a chemical electronic bond; they are comparatively weak and therefore more susceptible to disturbance. The van der Waals force quickly vanishes at longer distances between interacting molecules. Named after Dutch physicist Johannes Diderik van der Waals, the van der Waals force plays a fundamental role in fields as diverse as supramolecular chemistry, structural biology, polymer science, nanotechnology, surface science, and condensed matter physics. It also underlies many properties of organic compounds and molecular solids, including their solubility in polar and non-polar media. (Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Van_der_Waals_force)

Broader concept

Entry terms

  • van der Waals force

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URI

http://data.loterre.fr/ark:/67375/MDL-QX82L7CQ-H

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