🔹 Induced Dipole
An induced dipole is a temporary dipole that forms in an atom or non-polar molecule when it comes close to a charged species or a polar molecule. This happens because the external electric field or nearby charges distort the electron cloud of the otherwise neutral species.
⚙️ How it Happens:
When a nearby ion or polar molecule exerts an electric force, it causes the electrons in a neutral atom or non-polar molecule to shift slightly. This creates a temporary imbalance, making one side slightly negative and the other slightly positive — forming an induced dipole.
🔬 Example:
If a sodium ion (Na+) approaches a non-polar molecule like oxygen (O2), the positive charge from Na+ attracts the electron cloud of O2. The electrons in O2 shift slightly toward the ion, creating a temporary dipole with a negative end near the ion.
📌 Characteristics of Induced Dipoles:
- They are temporary and only exist in the presence of a nearby polarizing influence.
- They can form in non-polar molecules or atoms.
- They contribute to London dispersion forces, the weakest type of intermolecular force.
- The ease of dipole formation depends on polarizability (larger atoms/molecules are more easily polarized).
🧠 Note:
The more electrons an atom or molecule has, the more easily it can be polarized — and the stronger the induced dipole effect it can experience.