Question

What do Van der Waals forces do?

Answer 1

Van der Waals forces are the most significant forces governing the interaction of the non-polar molecules or say the elements. Though they are weak forces, they are responsible for the existence of non-polar molecules.

Complete answer:
So, to answer this question, first, we need to have a basic knowledge about the Van der Waals forces and the nature by which they govern the different molecules.
So, Van der Waals forces are also known as ‘London dispersion forces.
These are actually the weak electrostatic forces that operate within the non-polar molecule. or in the other words, we can say that they are responsible for the existence of the neutral atom because these are the only forces that operate between the non-polar molecules.
These Van der Waals forces create an attractive force between the transient or temporary dipoles that are created in the non-polar elements.
As electrons move around the nucleus, a momentary non – symmetrical distribution of charges will result in producing temporary dipole arrangements of a charge.
So from the above discussion, it is very clear that the Vander Waals forces or the London dispersion forces are a significant part of the non-polar molecules.

Note:
This electrostatic Van der Waals force affects the distribution of charges in the neighboring atom also and hence it leads to the formation of the temporary induced dipole moment, which is very significant for the existence of the atom or the non-polar particle in nature.