12
$\begingroup$

From the name, I thought dispersion forces would be repelling or dispersive forces between atoms, and not attractive forces. What is the dispersion part of the name actually referring to? Is it the electrons moving around?

Improve this question
$\endgroup$

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
11
$\begingroup$

Although Danny Rodriguez has already excellently exposed what the dispersion force is in simple terms, the word dispersion still demands a better explanation in my opinion.

According to Wikipedia:

The London theory has much similarity to the quantum mechanical theory of light dispersion, which is why London coined the phrase "dispersion effect." In physics, the term "dispersion" describes the variation of a quantity with frequency, which is the fluctuation of the electrons in the case of the London dispersion.

So the word "dispersion" here is a mere analogy. The original work is this one (in German).

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
4
  • $\begingroup$ Interesting -- so dispersion could be quantified as $\frac{\partial n}{\partial \omega}$, maybe, as a function of the electron coordinates.. $\endgroup$
    – khaverim
    Nov 10, 2017 at 17:12
  • 2
    $\begingroup$ @khaverim If your $n$ is electron count, then no. The number of electrons doesn't fluctuate during dispersive interactions, only the spatial part of the electron density does. $\endgroup$
    – pentavalentcarbon
    Nov 10, 2017 at 19:39
  • $\begingroup$ Right, density, i.e. instantaneous $n$ at a given $x,y,z$, not an integer-count of electrons in the atom. $\endgroup$
    – khaverim
    Nov 10, 2017 at 23:03
  • $\begingroup$ More formally $\rho = n/V$ I suppose $\endgroup$
    – khaverim
    Nov 10, 2017 at 23:04
10
$\begingroup$

It refers to the electrons that are distributed (or dispersed) in the electron cloud which then ensues an attraction between atoms or molecules.

Electrons can be dispersed in any number of different ways in an electron cloud. One way, however, is where all the electrons appear in one side of the electron cloud. When this polarization happens, the atom has a negative charge on one side (where the electrons have gathered) and a positive charge on the other side.

This induces neighboring atoms to polarize the same and therefore attract to each other in a negative-positive-negative-positive chain.

A good example would be helium.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.