cohesive strength
Quick Summary
Cohesion refers to the intermolecular attractive force that holds a substance together. This force is crucial in physics and is responsible for the integrity of solids and liquids. It primarily arises from Coulomb (electrical) forces, such as van der Waals forces.1
When molecules are close, they repel; when farther apart, they attract. At an optimal distance, their potential energy is minimized, requiring work to change this separation. This principle is fundamental to the strength of materials, which is the ability of a material to withstand mechanical forces. For example, the cohesive properties of clay make it suitable for sculpting.123
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