van der Waals forces
plural noun
: the relatively weak attractive forces that act on neutral atoms and molecules and that arise because of the electric polarization induced in each of the particles by the presence of other particles
Examples of van der Waals forces in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The chemical bonding that results rearranges the electrons, creating an electrodynamic attraction known as van der Waals forces.
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Discover Magazine, 17 Oct. 2016
The Gecko Gripper uses the same adhesive system for gripping as the feet of a gecko, with millions of fine fibers that adhere to the surface of the workpiece and generate strong van der Waals forces.
—IEEE Spectrum, 8 Feb. 2019
Their clinging power resides in microscopic, hair-like structures on their toes that employ what are called van der Waals forces – a weak force that draws molecules together.
—Carl Engelking, Discover Magazine, 27 Apr. 2015
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Discover Magazine, 17 Oct. 2016
The Gecko Gripper uses the same adhesive system for gripping as the feet of a gecko, with millions of fine fibers that adhere to the surface of the workpiece and generate strong van der Waals forces.
—IEEE Spectrum, 8 Feb. 2019
Their clinging power resides in microscopic, hair-like structures on their toes that employ what are called van der Waals forces – a weak force that draws molecules together.
—Carl Engelking, Discover Magazine, 27 Apr. 2015
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“Van der Waals forces.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/van%20der%20Waals%20forces. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.
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van der Waals forces
noun plural
: the relatively weak attractive forces that are operative between neutral atoms and molecules and that arise because of the electric polarization induced in each of the particles by the presence of other particles
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