Definition: Van der Waals' forces are a group of relatively weak intermolecular interactions which generally result when a molecule or group of molecules become polarized into a magnetic dipole. This happens most often due to uneven or shifting distributions within the electron cloud of the atoms.
These sorts of interactions were first documented by Johannes Diderik van der Waals, a Dutch physicist & chemist, after whom they were named. Originally the name referred to all intermolecular interactions, though it has over the years come to mean the more specific group of interactions resulting from temporary dipole interactions.
Also Known As: London disperson forces,Keesom forces,Debye forces
