London dispersion forces

London dispersion forces are weak attractions that occur between all atoms and molecules due to temporary, fluctuating shifts in their electron clouds. When electrons randomly move, they can create a brief imbalance of charge, resulting in a tiny, momentary dipole. This dipole can induce a similar temporary dipole in neighboring particles, leading to a weak attraction between them. Although individually small, these forces collectively influence how molecules stick together, affecting properties like boiling and melting points, especially in non-polar substances. They are a fundamental part of the intermolecular forces that govern the behavior of atoms and molecules.