Dipolinteraksjon

Dipolinteraksjon refers to the attractive or repulsive forces that exist between molecules possessing a permanent electric dipole moment. A dipole moment arises when there is an uneven distribution of electron density within a molecule, creating a partial positive charge on one end and a partial negative charge on the other. These molecules are known as polar molecules. When two polar molecules approach each other, the positive end of one molecule will be attracted to the negative end of another. Conversely, like charges will repel. The strength of this interaction depends on the magnitude of the dipole moments and the distance between the molecules. These forces are weaker than ionic or covalent bonds but are significant in determining the physical properties of substances, such as boiling point and solubility. For instance, water, a highly polar molecule, exhibits strong dipole-dipole interactions, contributing to its relatively high boiling point. These interactions are a type of intermolecular force, specifically categorized as van der Waals forces. They play a crucial role in various chemical and biological processes.