For example, as the atomic number of noble gases increases, the strength of the van der Waals bonding increases.

Because of this stronger van der Waals bonding, solid Ar melts at 89 K, which is a considerably higher temperature than solid He.

The boiling points of the noble gases are determined by London forces because no other forces are in operation.

In a crystal of an ionic compound, however, although the London forces are still present they are dwarfed in comparison to the very strong ionic interactions and may be neglected to a first approximation.



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