What forces are created when an instantaneous dipole induces another dipole in a neighboring particle?

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The correct answer highlights the interaction characterized by induced dipoles, which are a fundamental aspect of intermolecular forces, specifically known as Van der Waals forces or London dispersion forces. When an instantaneous dipole, created by the temporary uneven distribution of electrons in a molecule, occurs, it can induce a dipole in a nearby particle. This happens because the positive end of the dipole attracts the electrons of the neighboring particle, leading to a temporary dipole in that particle as well.

Van der Waals forces are weak attractions that arise from these temporary dipoles and are significant in a variety of molecular interactions, particularly in nonpolar molecules or noble gases, where other stronger intermolecular forces like hydrogen bonding are not present. Thus, these forces play a crucial role in understanding molecular interactions, especially when analyzing the physical properties of substances.

Hydrogen bonds, ionic bonds, and covalent bonds are all different types of interactions that typically involve more permanent dipoles or full charges and do not apply to the scenario of instantaneous dipoles inducing neighboring dipoles.

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