ELECTROSTATIC FORCES

electrostatic forces: translation

Like charges in close proximity produce forces of repulsion between them. Consequently if two surfaces bear appreciable and approximately equal densities of charged groups on their surfaces appreciable forces of repulsion may occur between them. The range of these forces is determined in the main by the ionic strength of the intervening medium, forces being of minimal range at high ionic strength. The forces are effective over approximately twice the double layer thickness. See DLVO theory.