What type of intermolecular force exists between all particles?

London dispersion forces are the type of intermolecular force that exists between all particles, regardless of their polarities. These forces arise from the temporary fluctuations in electron distribution around atoms and molecules, which can create transient dipoles that induce dipoles in neighboring particles. This phenomenon leads to a very weak, yet universally present, attraction between all types of particles, including nonpolar atoms, molecules, and polar entities.

What sets London dispersion forces apart is their ability to operate even in noble gases and nonpolar compounds, which are not capable of forming dipole-dipole interactions or hydrogen bonds. While hydrogen bonding is a strong type of intermolecular force occurring specifically between molecules that have hydrogen bonded to highly electronegative atoms like nitrogen, oxygen, or fluorine, and dipole-dipole interactions require the presence of permanent dipoles (molecules with polar covalent bonds), London dispersion forces do not have these limitations. Ionic interactions, on the other hand, are typically limited to the attractions between ions and are a distinct type of bonding rather than an intermolecular force.

This universality of London dispersion forces makes them fundamental in understanding the behavior of gases, liquids, and solids across various substances. The presence of these forces forms a baseline for intermolecular interactions