Question

How is it possible for one electrically neutral atom to exert an electrostatic force on another electrically neutral atom?

Short answer

Answer: A neutral atom can exert an electrostatic force on another neutral atom due to charge polarization or induced charges in both atoms. This causes temporary electric dipoles to form, which attract one another, resulting in the electrostatic force between the two neutral atoms. This force is also known as the van der Waals force or London dispersion force.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the electrically neutral atoms

An electrically neutral atom is an atom in which the total number of protons (+ve charge) is equal to the total number of electrons (-ve charge). Therefore, the net charge in a neutral atom is zero.

Discuss electrostatic force

Electrostatic force is the force that exists between charged particles or objects due to Coulomb's law: F = k * (q1 * q2) / r^2, where F is the electrostatic force, k is a constant, q1 and q2 are the charges of the two particles or objects, and r is the distance between them.

Introduce charge polarization or induced charges

Charge polarization or induced charges occur when the electron distribution in a neutral atom is distorted in the presence of an external electric field, such as that created by another nearby charged particle or object. This distortion causes the atom to develop a temporary electric dipole, where one side of the atom becomes slightly positively charged and the other side becomes slightly negatively charged.

Explain the interaction between dipoles

When two temporary electric dipoles are near each other, their positive and negative sides can attract, causing an electrostatic force to exist between them. This electrostatic force is known as the van der Waals force or London dispersion force, and it is weak but significant when atoms are in close proximity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a neutral atom can exert an electrostatic force on another neutral atom due to charge polarization or induced charges in both atoms. This causes temporary electric dipoles to form, which attract one another, resulting in the electrostatic force between the two neutral atoms.