Momentary Dipole-Induced Dipole Interactions

Momentary Dipoles

• Definition: A momentary dipole occurs when the electron cloud surrounding a neutral atom at any given moment becomes slightly lopsided, or slewed towards one specific direction.
• Relative Strength: Momentary dipoles are much weaker than a formal dipole.

Induced Dipoles

• Formation Trigger: An induced dipole is generated when a momentary dipole approaches another neutral atom.
• Electrostatic Mechanism: The slight partial electron density of the momentary dipole exerts a repulsive force on the electrons of the neighboring atom, pushing those electrons to the opposite side of that atom.

Momentary Dipole-Induced Dipole Interactions

• Nature of Interaction: The attractive electrostatic forces arising between a temporary, asymmetrical charge distribution (momentary dipole) and the subsequently polarized neighboring atom (induced dipole) constitute momentary dipole-induced dipole interactions.