london forces: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Academic
Quick answer
What does “london forces” mean?
Weak, temporary attractive forces between atoms or molecules caused by instantaneous dipole-induced dipole interactions.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Weak, temporary attractive forces between atoms or molecules caused by instantaneous dipole-induced dipole interactions.
A type of intermolecular force (van der Waals force) that is present in all molecular substances, including noble gases and nonpolar molecules, resulting from the constant motion of electrons creating temporary dipoles.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or usage differences. Both use the term identically in scientific contexts.
Connotations
Purely technical, neutral connotations in both variants.
Frequency
Identically low frequency outside scientific/educational contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “london forces” in a Sentence
London forces + [verb: exist, occur, increase, decrease, explain]The + London forces + between + [noun: molecules, atoms][Subject] + are + due to + London forcesVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “london forces” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- No verb form.
American English
- No verb form.
adverb
British English
- No adverb form.
American English
- No adverb form.
adjective
British English
- The London-force interactions were modelled computationally.
- A London-force contribution to the binding energy.
American English
- The London-force component is significant for large atoms.
- London-force attraction explains the liquefaction of noble gases.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Exclusively used in chemistry and physics textbooks, lectures, and research papers.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Only used when explaining basic scientific concepts to learners.
Technical
Core term in physical chemistry and molecular physics for describing intermolecular attractions in nonpolar substances.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “london forces”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “london forces”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “london forces”
- Treating it as a singular noun in all contexts (e.g., 'London forces is important' – should be 'are' when referring to the phenomena).
- Confusing it with permanent dipole-dipole forces or hydrogen bonding.
- Using it to describe intramolecular (within a molecule) rather than intermolecular (between molecules) forces.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
London forces are one type of van der Waals force. Van der Waals forces is a broader category that includes London (dispersion) forces, dipole-dipole forces, and dipole-induced dipole forces.
They are named after the German-American physicist Fritz London, who provided a quantum mechanical explanation for these forces in 1930.
No, they exist in all atoms and molecules, including polar ones like water. However, in polar molecules, they are often overshadowed by stronger forces like hydrogen bonding or dipole-dipole interactions.
The key factor is the number of electrons and the 'polarizability' of the electron cloud. Larger atoms/molecules with more electrons have stronger, more easily distorted electron clouds, leading to stronger London forces.
Weak, temporary attractive forces between atoms or molecules caused by instantaneous dipole-induced dipole interactions.
London forces is usually technical/academic in register.
London forces: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlʌndən ˈfɔːsɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlʌndən ˈfɔːrsɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No idioms exist for this term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine the London Eye (a large wheel). The constantly moving capsules (electrons) create temporary imbalances (dipoles) that attract nearby structures.
Conceptual Metaphor
ATTRACTION IS A TEMPORARY SHIFT. The fleeting, shifting nature of the force is conceptualised as a momentary, changeable pull.
Practice
Quiz
London forces are strongest in which of the following situations?