Vander Waal Force | London Dispersion Force |
|---|---|
Van der Waal force is a general term used to define any weak intermolecular forces of attraction between atoms or molecules. It consists of three forces from the strongest to the weakest – Keesom, Debye, and London. |
London force are a sub-category of van der Waal forces. It is the weakest intermolecular force among the three types of van der Waal forces. |
Van der Waal forces are generally seen in all polar and nonpolar atoms and molecules. | London Forces are generally seen in nonpolar molecules. |
Van der Waal type of interactions include dipole-dipole interactions, dipole-induced dipole, and instantaneous dipole-induced dipole interactions. Hydrogen bonding, a type of dipole-dipole interaction is stronger than Vander Waal force. | London dispersion forces are caused by the random fluctuations in a molecule's electron position, creating instantaneous dipoles. The instantaneous dipole induces a dipole in others to interact. |
Related Reading: Introduction to Vander Waal Forces, Keesom Force, Debye Force, London Force, Hydrogen bonding.