transient dipole

physics

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July 14, 2026

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A transient dipole is a temporary, uneven distribution of electric charge within a molecule. This occurs due to constant fluctuations in electron density. When one molecule develops a transient dipole, it can induce a similar dipole in a nearby molecule. These correlated, temporary dipoles then interact, leading to a weak attractive force between the molecules. This phenomenon, known as the dispersion interaction, is significant in holding nonpolar molecules together in condensed states like liquids and solids. It's a fundamental aspect of intermolecular forces.

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chemical bonding
Dispersion interaction
…and give rise to a transient dipole. This transient dipole can induce a dipole in the neighbouring molecule, which then interacts with the original transient dipole. Although the latter continuously flickers from one direction to another (with an average of zero dipole overall), the induced dipole follows it, and the…
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…and give rise to a transient dipole. This transient dipole can induce a dipole in the neighbouring molecule, which then interacts with the original transient dipole. Although the latter continuously flickers from one direction to another (with an average of zero dipole overall), the induced dipole follows it, and the…
Read More